Ringing Rocks

Ringing Rocks Facts

• Ringing Rocks represents proof that our beautiful world still harbors many mysteries, both large and small. This still unexplained conglomeration of stones forms one of those.
• This wonder of geology is a small (but no less mysterious for its size) field of boulders. It formed in what man now call Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The field lies situated near the top of a hillside in what now forms a local park.
• When one strikes the rocks with a hammer or even another rock, a strange phenomenon occurs. At that time, some stones actually make a ringing sound, as if they were hollow, but they are not
• Despite numerous scientific studies of the stones comprising the Ringing Rocks, the cause of the effect is a complete mystery.

Ringing Rocks Physical Description

Part of the mystery of the Ringing Rocks surrounds the fact that there is nothing particularly rare or unique about their composition itself. Perhaps this demonstrates that we still have much to learn.

The various sized boulders that form the Ringing Rocks are composed of a substance known as diabase. This remains basically just volcanic basalt.

The time of the volcanic eruption which must have spewed them forth (since there is no indication that they were deposited by glacial activity) remains unknown.

They also contain high concentrations of aluminum and iron. Though it still remains theoretical, scientists believe that they broke apart during the Pleistocene Epoch, approximately 12,000 years ago. This could have occurred through repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.

Ringing Rocks Mysterious Nature

The mysterious nature of the Ringing Rocks is not limited to just the fact that the ringing itself remains completely unexplained. There are other mysteries surrounding the formation (Nature never fails to surprise us). A few of these include:

• Not all of the stones ring when struck! Only a percentage of the stones exhibit the unique property.
• The boulder field is relatively expansive. It covers an area of approximately 7.7 acres (3.5 hectares) to an average depth of 10 ft (3 m).
• Boulder fields on a hillside form at the bottom of the hill, as the result of slides. This one, however, sits near the top of the hill. How it could form there is yet another mystery.
• Though the surrounding area is thickly wooded, there is no sign of animal activity around the Ringing Rocks themselves.
• Despite the countless trees in the forest immediately adjacent to the boulder field, not one leaf ever seems to settle onto the boulder field.
• Though the field has been there for at least 12,000 years, only a small handful of weeds (following the outer periphery only) has appeared among the crevices of the stones.

The fact that science has been unable to explain any of these mysteries has led many to suggest that a paranormal explanation may lie behind the phenomena.  Regardless of what the explanation is, it can not detract from the beauty and mystery of the place.

Check out our other articles on Fantasy Canyon, Giants Causeway, Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks