Back to science
geology
Stonehenge Stones – Sarsens vs Bluestones
A practical guide to Stonehenge’s materials: sarsen megaliths, Welsh bluestones, and the craft decisions visible on the stones.
12/1/2025
13 min read
Bottom line: Different stones do different jobs—structure, framing, and tone.
Sources
- Sarsens: likely from Marlborough Downs.
- Bluestones: Preseli Hills, southwest Wales.
Craft and Detail
- Ridges, pick-dressing, and joint geometry.
- Bluestones reused and rearranged over time.
Image Highlights
Visiting Tips
- Look for tool marks and tapering.
- Compare color tones in different light.
Bottom Line
Materials are meaning—geology is part of the monument’s story.
See Also
About the Author
Geoarchaeology Editor
I built this to help you enjoy Stonehenge calmly—clear pacing, better timing, and context that makes the stones and landscape resonate.
Tags
sarsen
bluestone
geology
sources
craft
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Loading comments...