A new study published in the Journal of the Geological Society conducted the most comprehensive geological investigation yet on the six-tonne Altar Stone. Researchers evaluated mineral composition, structure, and direct stone samples, but failed to find a match among rocks in the Orcadian Basin. While the bluestones at the Wiltshire site are known to have been transported roughly 225 kilometres from west Wales, the Altar Stone's path remains unidentified. Experts note that systematically disproving candidate locations will help narrow the search to the regions most likely to yield an answer.
Key points
Researchers have officially eliminated a prominent Scottish region as the source of the s…: Researchers have officially eliminated a prominent Scottish region as the source of the six-tonne megalith.
Ruling out suspected geological sites is considered essential to narrowing the search for…: Ruling out suspected geological sites is considered essential to narrowing the search for the stone's true origin.
Pinpointing the sandstone slab's provenance will offer critical insights into prehistoric…: Pinpointing the sandstone slab's provenance will offer critical insights into prehistoric transportation networks.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Altar Stone mystery continues as theory overturned
- Published
A new study exploring the origins of the six tonne Altar Stone at Stonehenge has ruled out a theory that it came from an area of Scotland.
The 4.9 metre sandstone slab within the circle was initially believed to have originated in Wales until a more recent study pointed towards it coming from north east Scotland.
Scientific tests were carried out in the Orcadian Basin area of Scotland, but researchers failed to find a location with the same characteristics of the stone in that area.
However study lead, Professor Duncan Pirrie from the University of South Wales, said the latest investigation has left them "far better equipped to focus on the areas most likely to yield an answer."
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Pirrie said his latest publication on the Altar Stone has "built the clearest picture yet"…
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