One of the most mysterious places in the world is Stonehenge. Why?

Well, according to many stricken with a mad curiosity, Stonehenge is much more than a passing interest – it holds the secrets of connection. Much more than that – it is said that Stonehenge is a giant musical instrument. Whether musical or some sort of communications device, it is still left for us to ponder.

I am sure we have all heard the theory about Stonehenge’s rocks being carried from many miles away, right? Well, in actuality, Stonehenge was moved from over 200 miles away and assembled in the form that we know today. We may have also heard that Stonehenge serves as a compass or tool to study the constellations. This is also an interesting theory.

Why?

So, we know these rocks were specifically chosen and we know one way in which they were used, but why? Although there are many speculations, guesses, and curiosities about the stones, the one question that remains is why these rocks were so unique. Modern-day researchers actually believe these rocks were chosen for their sonic capabilities.

The rocks used to build Stonehenge are called Bluestones or Dolerites. These stones have been found over the whole of the European Continent, especially Wales, where the rocks were said to be derived. Some Welsh churches even used the stones for bells up until the 1700s.

To test this theory, British archeologists requested permission to hit the stones to test these qualities. Using a quartz hammer, the scientists struck each stone and listened for the results. Though muted, each stone sounded a unique tone that reinforced the popular belief.

It seems that Stonehenge was indeed an instrument. Upon further inspection, the researchers noticed that the stones actually had marks where they had been struck long before, further backing the idea previously garnered from the theory.

What do they sound like?

These rocks are special, indeed. Bluestones are considered Lithophones, or stones that produce sound when struck. The sounds can range from low wooden hums or high pitched bells.

When struck, the stones produce a sound that resembles something akin to church bells. Each stone, as a matter of fact, made a sound, reverberating at a different pitch from its neighboring stone. It seems the stones were strategically placed to produce a sound complementary to each other. They were not only useful, but also quite pleasant to the ear, and could be heard from miles away.

It may not be clear what these stones were actually used for, but one thing is for certain –they were part of a larger instrument. Whether the ancient society enjoyed the music of the stones or whether they gathered by the calling of an ancient church bell, we may never know.

Stonehenge may remain a mystery, but its beauty will keep us wondering.


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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Otto Bhan

    Bing Bong

    Ding Dong

    Sherrie sings another ringing song

    Thank you Sherrie all along… the paths lead us on and on.

    With pleasure,
    Otto be in touch

    1. Sherrie

      Otto,

      Thank you for reading. I sometimes see learning as quests and side quests. There are tangents and ideas we haven’ t thought of before. Isn’t it amazing how creative learning is!

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