Collection Site (IMAGE) University of Washington Caption The oldest rock samples, from 3.2 billion years ago, were collected in the desert in northwestern Australia. Credit R. Buick / Univ. of Washington Usage Restrictions With credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.