Salisbury, United Kingdom

Archaeologists have remained puzzled regarding the origin of the iconic standing stones of Stonehenge for more than a hundred years. 

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The puzzle deepened when the scientists discovered that the altar stone's origin could not be traced back to Scotland but rather appeared to have come from Wales.

In the latest discovery, a new study has found that bluestone slab did not originate from Orkney as was earlier assumed.

"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," said Professor Richard Bevins from Aberystwyth University, who is the lead author of the new study.

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"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," he added.

Origin of Altar Stone

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Scientists earlier believed that the smaller 'bluestones' of Stonehenge were brought to the Salisbury Plane from the Preseli Hills in Wales.

But the centre of focus of these bluestones was the Altar Stone, which was always unique.

"The Altar Stone is anomalous in many ways to both the bluestones and the sarsens at Stonehenge. Whilst, at six tonnes, it is nowhere near the size of the sarsens, it is substantially larger than the bluestones, with which it has previously been classed," said Professor Bevins.

It was assumed by the researchers that the strange stone came from the same area which was the origin of other bluestones. 

However, the recent analysis of altar stone revealed it did not come from Wales. The researchers found it has remarkable similarity with the Old Red Sandstone which was in the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland.

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But the latest study has suggested that the stone's origin was not Orkney, as was earlier thought.

"Orkney was a major cultural centre in Neolithic times, as indicated by its profusion of monuments and buildings dating from that time," said Professor Bevins, while speaking to MailOnline: 

"There was clearly long-distance communication between these Neolithic communities. In addition, the geology of Orkney was right for a possible match to the Altar Stone. So Orkney seemed a logical place to investigate," he added.

“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 professor explained.

Because of the size of the Orcadian Basin, finding the origin of the Altar Stone will not be easy but experts are determined to discover the location.

(With inputs from agencies)