Analysis of zircon crystals

Stonehenge 181

Image by Jane

Littlestone May 13, 2011 09:02:02

“Scientists in Wales have made a major discovery that could provide the key to unlocking the mysteries of Stonehenge. Using new technologies they have been able to prove the precise origins of some of the stones that make up the monument. Their discoveries are now fuelling debate about how the stones were moved and how the stone circle was constructed.”

Their research includes that conducted by the geochemist Dr Nick Pearce, of the University of Aberystwyth, who has analysed the zircon crystals that are embedded in some of the stones; he employs a technique that uses a laser to vaporize small samples of the crystals so that their chemical make up can be scrutinized.

Video here – http://www.china.org.cn/video/2011-05/13/content_22556596.htm

juamei May 13, 2011 09:19:54

Replying to Littlestone

I thought similar techniques had already been used to identify a few sites where stones had come from in the Preselis?

Sanctuary May 13, 2011 10:36:40

Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:

“Scientists in Wales have made a major discovery that could provide the key to unlocking the mysteries of Stonehenge.

Blimey, how many times have we read similar opening lines to that in the past!! :D

StoneGloves May 13, 2011 10:42:35

Replying to Littlestone

Sadly, I have some experience of industrial zircon. The place I used to work at bought it in Australia, as sand, where it occurs in aeolian deposits. It's interesting stuff.

tiompan May 13, 2011 16:40:05

Replying to Littlestone

Odd that Rob Ixer doesn't get a mention . Not long after the intial announcement a few months ago he commented on the debate concerning the moving of the stones "We make NO NO no no no statement on how the stones were moved , that is a mugs game for fools."

nigelswift May 15, 2011 09:55:55

Replying to Littlestone

Has anyone looked at a satellite image of this rocky outcrop? I mean. if it happened to be next to an easy one mile route to a river it wouldn't be proof but it would tip the scales in favour of the human transport speculation quite a bit. It wouldn't even need to be downhill or "easy" as it wasn't at the other end.