Re: Newgrange: quartz and granite wall | Forum

P

PlateOfFood Feb 26, 2008 12:09:54

Replying to 12pointer

Hello all. I was once told that the regular pattern in the new Newgrange facade was down to the architect who designed it - who I was told was Graham Dawbarn, who also designed BBC TV Center and gave that a similar pattern of white stones. It was just his 'thing'.

Now, I've never been able to find anything that proves to me that Graham Dawbarn was involved in recreating Newgrange, so maybe there's no truth to this story. I'd be interested if anyone knows one way or the other, though.

B

bawn79 Feb 26, 2008 12:20:06

Replying to 12pointer

12pointer wrote:

apparently the irish name for quartz "grianchloch" means sun-stone. so their aparent sun worship would explain the findings of 'sun-stones' at these sites. But how and why does quartz represent the sun? sun is power, quartz being the hardest thing known to the ancient peoples then maybe thats why the granite is there too, granite being the hardest rock to hand, both symbolise strength and power. or because they wanted thier monument to last forever...

Could also be to do with its reflective properties. The two entrance stones at Castleruddery (which are quartz) are meant to shimmer a bit on summer solstice sun-rise (or thereabouts).

T

tiompan Feb 26, 2008 13:08:50

Replying to 12pointer

12pointer wrote:

apparently the irish name for quartz "grianchloch" means sun-stone. so their aparent sun worship would explain the findings of 'sun-stones' at these sites. But how and why does quartz represent the sun? sun is power, quartz being the hardest thing known to the ancient peoples then maybe thats why the granite is there too, granite being the hardest rock to hand, both symbolise strength and power. or because they wanted thier monument to last forever...

Yeah , that has always intrigued me , most cultures see quartz as being related to the moon , native australians refer to it as moon milk etc .

F

FourWinds Feb 26, 2008 17:32:02

Replying to 12pointer

12pointer wrote:

apparently the irish name for quartz "grianchloch" means sun-stone. so their aparent sun worship would explain the findings of 'sun-stones' at these sites. But how and why does quartz represent the sun? sun is power, quartz being the hardest thing known to the ancient peoples then maybe thats why the granite is there too, granite being the hardest rock to hand, both symbolise strength and power. or because they wanted thier monument to last forever...

Smack two pieces of Wicklow quartz together in the dark and they light up.