Page "Matterhorn" Paragraph 23

The formation of the Matterhorn ( and the whole Alpine range ) started with the break-up of the Pangaea continent 200 million years ago into Laurasia ( containing Europe ) and Gondwana ( containing Africa ).

While the rocks constituting the nearby Monte Rosa remained in Laurasia, the rocks constituting the Matterhorn found themselves in Gondwana, separated by the newly formed Tethys Ocean.