Across the globe, from the rugged coasts of Norway to the deserts of the United States, mysterious star-shaped holes carved into rocks have sparked fascination and debate among researchers, archaeologists, and enthusiasts. These peculiar formations, often pentagonal or heptagonal in cross-section, appear with striking uniformity in diverse locations, including Mexico and England. Are they the result of natural processes like erosion or glacial activity, or do they point to forgotten technologies wielded by ancient humans? Despite extensive study, the origin and purpose of these enigmatic star-shaped holes remain elusive, inviting speculation and further exploration. In this blog post, we’ll delve into their global distribution, competing theories, and the tantalizing questions they raise about our planet’s past.
Global Distribution of Star-Shaped Holes
Star-shaped holes have been documented in various regions, each offering unique geological and cultural contexts:
- Norway: In Volda, a notable seven-pointed star-shaped hole, dubbed the “Star of Volda,” was discovered in a rock formation. This hole, at least 4 meters deep and passing through debris, has puzzled researchers due to its depth and precision. Similar holes are reported elsewhere in Norway, often in granite, one of the hardest rocks, suggesting significant effort or advanced tools if human-made.
- United States: In the Bahamas and parts of the U.S., such as New England, star-shaped holes appear in granite quarries and natural rock formations. Some are associated with 19th-century quarrying, but others, found in remote areas, lack clear historical context. The uniformity of these holes has led to speculation about pre-Columbian origins or natural processes like glacial scouring.
- Mexico: Star-shaped holes have been noted in archaeological sites and natural rock formations, though specific locations are less documented. Their presence in a region rich with ancient cultures, like the Maya and Aztec, fuels theories of ritual or structural purposes, though no definitive evidence links them to these civilizations.
- England: In the UK, particularly in granite-rich areas like Cornwall, star-shaped holes appear in both quarried and natural rocks. Some are attributed to early 20th-century mining, but others, found in older contexts, raise questions about their age and origin.
- Other Locations: Reports also mention similar holes in Ukraine, Malta, and Poland’s Lower Silesia, where granite blocks lining the Turawskie Lake embankment, built in the 1930s, contain pentagonal and heptagonal holes up to 30 cm deep. These global occurrences suggest either a widespread natural phenomenon or a shared human practice across cultures.
The consistency of these holes’ star-shaped cross-sections, often with sharp, angular edges, challenges simple explanations and has made them a global archaeological and geological puzzle.
Theories of Origin
Two primary hypotheses dominate the debate: natural formation versus human creation. Each has compelling arguments, but neither fully resolves the mystery.
Natural Formation: Erosion and Glacial Activity
Some geologists propose that star-shaped holes result from natural processes, particularly erosion amplified by glacial activity during past ice ages. Here’s how this theory unfolds:
- Glacial Scouring: Glaciers, carrying rocks and sediment, can scour bedrock, creating striations, grooves, and occasionally more complex shapes. In regions like Norway and New England, where ice sheets covered vast areas during the Last Glacial Maximum (26,500–19,000 years ago), glacial erratics—boulders transported by ice—may have contributed to unusual rock formations. However, star-shaped holes lack the typical rounded edges of glacial striations, and their angular precision doesn’t align with known glacial landforms like cirques or roches moutonnées.
- Erosion and Weathering: Water, wind, or chemical weathering could theoretically carve star-shaped cavities, especially in softer rocks like limestone. In granite, however, which is highly resistant, such precise shapes are harder to explain. Some suggest that pre-existing fractures or joint patterns in the rock, combined with erosion, could produce polygonal shapes, but this fails to account for the holes’ depth and uniformity across diverse rock types.
- Critique: Critics argue that natural erosion rarely produces such symmetrical, star-like patterns. The holes’ consistency across continents and their presence in hard rocks like granite challenge the idea of random geological processes. Posts on X reflect skepticism, with users joking about “laser-like” precision or dismissing erosion as too simplistic an explanation.
Human Creation: Ancient Tools or Lost Technologies
The alternative theory posits that star-shaped holes are the work of ancient humans, possibly using advanced or specialized tools. This hypothesis raises intriguing possibilities:
- Early Drilling Techniques: In Poland’s Turawskie Lake site, some suggest the holes were made using early drilling methods, like chisel-tipped tools hammered and rotated consistently to create star-shaped cross-sections. However, achieving such precision in granite, especially for deep holes like those in Volda, would require extraordinary skill and time. Historical records of 19th-century quarrying mention rotary percussion drills, but these typically produce circular holes, and star-shaped holes predate modern drilling technology in some cases.
- Structural Purpose: In quarries, star-shaped holes may have been used to split rock by inserting wedges or explosives. The shape could result from multiple overlapping drill holes, as suggested by Reddit users, or from a specialized bit designed to maximize fracturing. Yet, many holes appear in non-quarried, remote rocks, suggesting non-utilitarian purposes.
- Cultural or Ritual Significance: In Mexico and England, where ancient cultures left complex stone carvings, star-shaped holes might have served symbolic or ceremonial roles. Their geometric precision could reflect astronomical knowledge, as seen in sites like Stonehenge, where alignments mark solstices. However, no direct evidence ties these holes to specific rituals, and their global distribution lacks a unifying cultural thread.
- Lost Technologies: Fringe theories, echoed in X posts, speculate about advanced ancient technologies, even jokingly suggesting “alien lasers.” While these lack credibility, the holes’ uniformity has led some to propose forgotten tools, like oscillating or vibrating bits, that could carve granite with precision. No archaeological evidence supports such devices, but the absence of tool marks in some holes fuels speculation.
- Critique: The human-made hypothesis struggles with the lack of consistent archaeological context. If ancient, why are no tools or cultural artifacts found nearby? If modern, why do some holes appear in untouched landscapes? The effort required to carve deep, precise holes in granite also raises questions about practicality.
The Puzzle of Purpose
Whether natural or human-made, the purpose of star-shaped holes remains unclear. Proposed functions include:
- Structural: In quarries, they may have facilitated rock splitting, but this doesn’t explain holes in non-quarried sites.
- Ritual: Their geometric shape could symbolize stars or celestial events, but no cultural evidence supports this.
- Water Management: Some holes, like those in Poland, are near water bodies, suggesting drainage or anchoring functions, but this is speculative.
- Natural Artifacts: If glacial or erosional, they may simply be geological curiosities, like geodes or fairy circles, with no “purpose” beyond formation.
The holes’ global spread and lack of associated artifacts make it hard to pin down a single purpose, keeping them firmly in the realm of mystery.
Ongoing Research and Challenges
Studying star-shaped holes is fraught with challenges:
- Dating: Without associated artifacts, dating the holes is nearly impossible. Geological methods like cosmogenic nuclide dating could estimate rock exposure, but these are costly and rarely applied.
- Context: Many holes lack clear archaeological or geological context, complicating interpretation.
- Skepticism: Fringe theories, like those on X, muddy academic discourse, while experts often dismiss the holes as modern or natural without thorough study.
Recent efforts, like those in Poland, involve consulting quarries and universities, but responses are often inconclusive. Advanced imaging, such as 3D scanning, could reveal tool marks or erosion patterns, but such studies are rare.
Visiting the Star-Shaped Holes
For enthusiasts, visiting these sites offers a chance to ponder their mystery firsthand:
- Volda, Norway: The “Star of Volda” is a remote attraction, accessible via local guides. Check with Volda’s tourism office for directions.
- Lower Silesia, Poland: The Turawskie Lake embankment is open to visitors, with granite blocks visible along the shore.
- Cornwall, England: Granite quarries and coastal rocks may host holes; guided geological tours are available.
- United States: Sites in New England or the Bahamas require local knowledge, as many are undocumented. Contact regional geological societies for leads.
Always respect private property and archaeological regulations when exploring.
Why the Star-Shaped Holes Matter
The star-shaped holes captivate because they challenge our understanding of both nature and human history. If natural, they reveal the Earth’s capacity for creating precise, almost artificial forms, akin to the Giant’s Causeway or Antelope Canyon. If human-made, they hint at lost skills or cultural practices, echoing enigmas like the Nazca Lines or Stonehenge. Their global presence unites diverse landscapes in a shared mystery, reminding us how much of our planet’s past remains unexplored.
For now, the holes are a puzzle without a solution, inviting us to question, explore, and imagine. Whether carved by ice, water, or ancient hands, they stand as a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown.
Have you encountered star-shaped holes in your travels, or do you have a theory about their origins? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s unravel this geological enigma together! 🌟🪨
