The Lewisian complex has existed in one form or another for well over 60% of Earth history. Here is one account of some critical events and their timing.
From: Park & Tarney 1987
| Ma | |
| 2900 |
Formation of early Scourian supracrustal metasediments and mafic-ultramafic rocks and incorporation into developing tonalitic plutonic complex with associated strong horizontal thrusting and deformation. |
| 2700 |
Main Badcallian high-grade granulite-facies metamorphism affecting deeper parts of Lewisian crust. |
| 2600? | Initiation of Inverian shear zones associated with uplift and segmentation of Archaean blocks. |
| 2500 | Late Badcallian (post Badcallian) biotite pegmatites. |
| 2400 | Emplacement of Scourian dolerites and norites, and later (?2200 Ma) olivine gabbros and picrites. Continuing retrogression of the granulites and intermittent movement on shear zones. |
| 2000 | Crustal extension with extrusion of voluminous lavas of the Loch Maree Group and associated sedimentation. Emplacement of late Scourie dykes? Formation of S Harris igneous complex? |
| 1900? | Early Laxfordian deformation and high-grade metamorphism. |
| 1800 | Early Laxfordian migmatisation and emplacement of granites and muscovite pegmatites |
| 1600-1400 | Late Laxfordian deformation and retrogressive metamorphism. |
| 1400-1000? | Late - or post - Laxfordian brittle folds and crush-belts. |
| 1000 | Deposition of Stoer Group (quasi-Torridonian) |
Park, RG & Tarney, J 1987. The Lewisian complex: a typical Precambrian high-grade terrain? In: Evolution of the Lewisian and Comparable Precambrian High Grade Terrains. (eds RG Park & J Tarney) Geol Soc Spec. Publ 27, 13-25.