Tarkentamassa

Tarkentamassa is a geological formation located in central Finland. It is a type of talcose amphibolite, a metamorphic rock that has undergone high-pressure and high-temperature transformations. The rock is characterized by small crystals of talc, a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, which gives the rock its soft and slippery texture.

Tarkentamassa is situated within the Precambrian basement rock that underlies much of Finland. This Precambrian rock dates back over 1.8 billion years and is one of the oldest rocks in the region. During the Uralian orogeny, which occurred around 2.1 billion years ago, this Precambrian rock was subjected to intense metamorphism, resulting in the formation of the talcose amphibolite we see at Tarkentamassa.

The name "Tarkentamassa" is derived from the Finnish language, where "tarkentaa" means "to tarmac." This refers to the area's notable for producing vast amounts of talc, which was historically used to make road surfaces smooth and less slippery. While mining activities have taken place on this site in the past, it is now considered an abandoned mine.

Tarkentamassa is of interest to geologists, who study the region's complex geological history and the processes that led to the formation of the metamorphic rocks. The area is also of importance in understanding the Precambrian geology of northern Europe, as it offers a valuable insight into the tectonic events that shaped the region over millions of years.