Stonehenge’s Altar Stone Origin Revealed: Not Orkney But North-East Scotland‌   ‌

The research from Aberystwyth University concludes that the six-tonne Altar Stone at the heart of the ancient site was not sourced from Mainland Orkney but elsewhere within north-eastern Scotland. K. MITCH HODGE VIA UNSPLASH.

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Stonehenge’s iconic Altar Stone did not come from Orkney – but elsewhere in north-eastern Scotland, scientists say.

The new findings follow last month’s reports that the largest “bluestone” at the heart of the landmark came from the Orcadian Basin.

With many Neolithic monuments, and having the right geological features, Orkney seemed a likely candidate for the source of the Altar Stone.

Published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, the new research examined both the five exposed Neolithic-age stones at the Stones of Stenness and seven others at the Ring of Brodgar on mainland Orkney, similar in size and rock type to the Altar Stone.

The research concludes that the six-tonne Altar Stone at the heart of the ancient site was not sourced from Mainland Orkney but elsewhere within north-eastern Scotland.

The new study’s lead author, Professor Richard Bevins from Aberystwyth University, has been investigating Stonehenge for the past 15 years.

He said: “The mystery of where the stone came from is becoming clearer and clearer as we begin to rule out specific areas in north-east Scotland.

”This research is radically changing our thinking about the origins of the Altar Stone. It’s thrilling to know that our chemical analysis and dating work is slowly unlocking this great mystery.

“The Altar Stone is anomalous in many ways to both the bluestones and the sarsens at Stonehenge.