Stonehenge's quartz core may explain its millennia-long resilience

A team of scientists from the University of Brighton, led by Professor David Nash, has discovered that the sarsen stones of Stonehenge contain a quartz crystal matrix that makes them nearly indestructible. The study was made possible by a rock sample taken from Stone 58 during 1950s restoration by Robert Phillips, which was returned after 60 years by his family to English Heritage. The sample was analyzed with X-rays, microscopes, and CT scans, revealing interlocking quartz grains that create an incredibly strong structure. The sarsens originally numbered 80, with 52 remaining today. Stonehenge was built in two phases around 5,000 and 4,500 years ago on Salisbury Plain. Nash had previously discovered that the sandstone blocks came from West Woods, 24 kilometers away. The only current threat to the monument comes from local rabbits burrowing beneath the stones. Separately, a previously unknown section of Hadrian's Wall was discovered during water pipe work in Newcastle. The three-meter-long section, made of large stone blocks, suggests early construction. Philippa Hunter of Archaeological Research Services noted the excitement of the find. Northumbrian Water will reroute pipes to protect the wall.