The Strange Case of the Ringing Rocks

The Ringing Rocks are commonly accepted as a natural phenomenon which no one completely understands. Ringing Rocks dot the Pennsylvania (PA) landscape, and have even been used as instruments in a public performance (June, 1890 - Buckwampum Historical Society).

Ringing Rocks are formed of diabase, yet only around ¹/₃ of them ring. Richard Faas found that the rocks produce subaudial frequencies that cannot be heard by the human ear. Ringing Rocks are found all over the world, and scientists have no answers.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Ringing Rocks

Ringing Rocks

Though "Ringing Rocks" are found around the world, they seem to be most prolific in Pennsylvania.  There, several sites throughout the southern region of the state are home to Ringing Rocks -- stones composed largely of diabase, some of which are up to 10' thick.  When struck hard with a hammer, these stones literally ring.  And scientists do not know why.

Ringing Rocks produce their unique sound regardless of their location; they can be broken into smaller rocks and moved anywhere, and still produce their unique, ringing sound.  

In 1890, Dr. J. J. Ott -- backed by a brass band -- played several selections on the rocks for the Buckwampum Historical Society.  But not all of these rocks ring, despite being of the same composition; only about 30% of the rocks are "Ringing Rocks."

Studies have been done, and many theories proposed, but no one is certain why Ringing Rocks... ring!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010