Linking derived debitage to the Stonehenge Altar Stone using portable X-ray fluorescence analysis

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis reveals that debitage fragments at Stonehenge share high-zirconium, -niobium, -strontium, -lead, -thorium, and -uranium compositions with the Altar Stone, confirming their derivation from it. The study also highlights a distinct barium 'fingerprint' in both the Altar Stone and debitage, contrasting sharply with Old Red Sandstone samples. This suggests the Altar Stone may not originate from South Wales, challenging previous assumptions about its provenance. The research used pXRF to analyze fragments ex situ and the Altar Stone in situ, though surface moisture affected light element data post-rain.

Bevins, R. E., Pearce, N. J. G., Ixer, R. A., Hillier, S., Pirrie, D., & Turner, P. (2022). Linking derived debitage to the Stonehenge Altar Stone using portable X-ray fluorescence analysis. Mineralogical Magazine, 86(4), 688–700. https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2022.22