We present a global study of the crustal structure with emphasis on the twelve main cratons of the earth. In an inverse scheme, satellite gravity gradient data from the GOCE mission are inverted for the Moho depth, exploiting laterally variable density contrasts based on seismic tomography. Our results are constrained by an active source seismic data base, as well as a tectonic regionalization map, derived from seismic tomography. For the global analysis, we implement a moving window approach to perform the gravity inversion, followed by interpolating the estimated density contrasts of common tectonic units with a flood-fill algorithm. The Moho depth model reveals variable patterns, with average values ranging between 33–40 km for the individual cratons. We observe low density contrasts for the cratons in the northern hemisphere, indicating old cratonic lithosphere with only smooth density gradients, and variable density contrasts for the other cratons. The estimated Moho depth is implemented in a Gondwana reconstruction, highlighting the characteristics of once connected cratons with regard to their tectonic evolution. Further, we investigate the estimated Moho depth together with the stabilization age of the individual cratons. We identify a secular trend of increasing crustal thickness proceeding from the Archean that reaches its turning point at the Archean-Proterozoic boundary. The Paleoproterozoic cratons are characterized by shallow average Moho depth, reflecting exhumation of the lower crust during orogenic events. We propose that magmatic underplating and isostatic adjustment of elevated topography after craton stabilization cause deviations from the observed secular trend of Moho depth variation. This is partly reflected by an anomalous deep Moho depth. We emphasize that our estimated Moho depth and density contrasts are suitable for a wide range of applications, not only for solid earth community, but also for interdisciplinary global scale studies, as well as local studies in the oceanic domain.