Historic Preseli Dolerite ("Stonehenge Bluestone"): Polished Gem/Display Piece

This is the same type of stone, originating from the same source in southern Wales, used for the famous "Bluestone" monoliths at England's Stonehenge. Bluestone is also known as Preseli Spotted dolerite, and was prized by the ancient British for its toughness (aside from its use in building Stonehenge, examples of hammers and axes made of material from this source have been found elsewhere in the British Isles). This stone type displays a mixture of colors (and minerals), including a mix of bluish-gray crystals, white (altered feldspar), pale green, very dark green granules (likely chlorite and epidote) and occasional grains of black augite. Many pieces include larger, isolated white inclusions (hence the references to "Spotted" dolerite). Although this and similar pieces that have appeared on the market come from erratics sourced from farmland a short distance from the Neolithic quarries, concerns that the prehistoric quarry site might be looted have prompted a debate as to whether future sale of all Preseli dolerite should be banned or severely restricted.

This piece is small enough that it could serve as a chunky focal bead or pendant simply by drilling a hole or attaching a glue-on bail. It also would make a great curio display piece or gift as-is. Photos were taken under natural light with the material dry.

Approx. Size: 20.5 x 17 x 15 mm
Approx. Weight: 88.2 cts
Shape/Cut: freeform cobble/tumble polished
Origin: Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire, Wales (UK)
Known treatment(s): unknown

Save on shipping: Check out my other items!.

Shipping
Get free shipping on additional items when combining for Flat Rate delivery

• If you are purchasing multiple items within 14 days of your first buy or auction win from me, it is usually possible to combine and pay for the items together to save on shipping costs. If they all fit into one Flat Rate box, the additional items ship at no extra postage cost. If you wish to take advantage of combined shipping of multiple items bought during a 14-day period, do not pay until you have purchased your last item (or after your last auction item has closed), then send me a message requesting combined shipping. Do NOT pay prior to receiving the adjusted invoice. Because the items I sell vary widely in size, weight and fragility, some items may not be able to be shipped together, or may require a larger box. If you are bidding multiple bulky or fragile items, please provide me with your zip or postal code and ask me for an estimate of the cost. After your request, a new invoice will be issued with the postage adjusted.
• Notes:
  Once you make a payment, I typically arrange shipping within 24 hours and it will no longer be possible to combine additional items. Before paying, please wait until your last item has closed, then request an invoice (on the payment screen, click "Request amount").

Payment

• Payment on Buy Now and Auctions wins must be made within 14 days of the end of your first auction or commitment to buy an item. If no payment is received, a non-paying bidder action will be filed. Any local tax is responsibility of buyer. International buyers may have Customs Duty due upon import. The purchase amount is listed on Customs Form. Shipment arrangements are made within 1 business days of cleared payment.