A craton is an ancient part of the Earth's continental crust which has been more or less stable since Precambrian times. Cratons whose ancient rocks are widely exposed at the surface, often with relatively subdued relief, are known as shields. If the ancient rocks are largely overlain by a cover of younger rocks then the 'hidden' craton may be referred to as a platform.

List of shields

List of named cratons

Listed by modern continent and Gondwana, include:

West Gondwana

South America

Africa

Antarctic-East African Orogen

East Gondwana

Indian Subcontinent

Antarctica

Australia

North America

Eurasia

Eastern Eurasia

Northern and Eastern Europe