A craton is an old and stable part of the continental lithosphere, which consists of Earths two topmost layers, the crust and the uppermost mantle. It is a large, coherent domain of Earths continental crust that has attained and maintained long-term stability, having undergone little internal deformation, except perhaps near its margins due to interaction with neighboring terranes. Cratons are composed of two layers: a continental shield, in which the basement rock crops out at the surface, and a platform which overlays the shield in some areas with sedimentary rock. The term craton is used to distinguish the stable portion of the continental crust from regions that are more geologically active and unstable. Cratons are made up of ancient crystalline basement rock and are characterized by their stability and lack of deformation. They are important economically, as many valuable deposits, including diamonds, are found in cratonic areas. Examples of cratons include the Dharwar Craton in India, North China Craton, the East European Craton, the Amazonian Craton in South America, the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa, the North American Craton (also called the Laurentia Craton), and the Gawler Craton in South Australia.