Published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, this latest research has examined the chemical composition of stones located at the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, Orkney’s spectacular stone circles. Portable X-ray machines were also employed in analysing rock deposits across the Orkney islands. Although they shared some similarities, the altar stone was found to have distinct chemical and mineralogical differences – meaning the search for the stone’s origins continues.
Professor Richard Bevins of Aberystwyth University, the lead author of this new study, stated that, as an initial assumption, Orkney was the most obvious origin spot, as their Neolithic culture closely mirrored that of Salisbury Plain. Fragments of pottery decorated in a similar fashion have been found at both sites, as well as ancient dwellings that also share many similarities.
Whilst Orkney may not be the home of the altar stone, researchers can now dedicate their time to investigating the rest of the Orcadian Basin, which covers a large portion of the north east of Scotland. As the search continues, researchers are excited to be unravelling this Neolithic mystery, and are hopeful about pinning down the origin of this immense stone.
