A Traveler in the Stone Word, Part 4: Mystery of the Romania's Living Stones

In the heart of Romania hides one of the most captivating mysteries of nature: the Living Stones. Also known as Trovants, these living stones are revealed as a geological show in the Costesti area, a commune next to the vivid city of Ramnicu Valcea. Here, over a sandy slope, there is a breathtaking show of shapes sculpted by nature in cemented sand, where the stones become alive and move over time. The Living Stones phenomenon is truly amazing. These geological formations have many sizes, ranging from a few millimeters up to 10 meters in height. Yet, what makes those special is their ability to come alive when subjected to water. After heavy rains, the stones seem to come to life, with enlarged sizes that decorate the area with odd, spherical shapes. The enigmatic 'living stones' have captured people's imagination for centuries and have been constantly researched to reveal the secrets behind such a fascinating phenomenon.

A particularly interesting detail of those living stones is their ability to move. Yes, you heard that right. Researchers have discovered that such stones can migrate from one place to another, seemingly without any human intervention or outside force. It seems that the key to this mysterious movement lies in the presence of calcium-carbonate-rich water. This essential compound allows the trovant’s development, plus their enlargement due to rain. Thus, the stones are more than just time’s witnesses, they’re also silent travelers through the changing landscape. The term "trovant" was introduced by the Roman naturalist Gheorghe Munteanu-Murgoci, in his reference work "Oltenia’s Tertiary Study about Salt, oil and mineral waters". This name carries the story of the place and adds a local and authentic note to this amazing geological phenomenon. For protecting and preserving such unique geological forms the Trovanti Museum Nature Reserve was established in 2004. This initiative was meant to ensure that the past and present of these living stones are preserved for future generations, as a living testimony to the whims of nature.

The fourth part of our journey into the Stone World took us to Romania, in a fascinating search for the mystery of the Living Stones. Such a unique phenomenon, that certifies a natural stone transformation into a nature’s artwork is both amazing and inspiring. The living stones, with their moving trovants and spectacular shapes, remind us that nature still holds secrets, to be discovered and admired. From their millimeter size to their impressive height, such living stones are a memorable chapter in the book of our nature. So, if you visit Romania, don't miss the opportunity to explore this geological wonder. Amidst the picturesque landscape and the enigma of the living stones, you will feel like traveling into a unique world, where natural stone becomes a living artwork, filled with mystery.