For a long time, both scientists and enthusiasts of the unusual have been trying to unravel the mystery of the “breathing stones” that can move. In Romania, where an entire settlement of such boulders was found, they are called trovants. During research, many theories have been proposed, including that trovants are a silicon form of life and may even be intelligent. Scientist Richard Demon believes that trovants can “breathe,” though not in the classical sense. One breath of theirs lasts from three days to two weeks. Moreover, a pulse can be detected in the stones, but only with highly sensitive equipment. Richard Demon, together with biologist Bertrand Escolier, conducted hundreds of experiments and discovered that the stones can also move. However, calling it movement is difficult, as over two weeks, a tested trovant moved only 2.5 millimeters.
Romanian Phenomenon
A large number of trovants were found in Romania, specifically in the Vâlcea region. Local entrepreneurs make souvenirs from trovants and sell them to tourists. These stones have a rounded, smooth shape and multiply like cacti. Initially, a growth appears on the stone, which swells and eventually detaches from the trovant. The new stone quickly begins to grow after rain and is very independent.
Researchers’ initial idea about the unique structure of trovants proved incorrect. When several were sawed open, it turned out they consist of cemented sand and mineral salts. On the cross-section of the stones, scientists found rings, like those on cut trees, which indicate the age of the boulders.
In 2006, in the Vâlcea region, in the sand quarries near the commune of Costești, the Museum of Trovants was opened, where the most interesting local specimens are collected. The museum covers over one hectare, and some of its exhibits reach ten meters in height.
Andriivka Miracle
Trovants have also been found in Russia, in the Kolpninsky district of the Oryol region. Massive boulders grow right in the fields of the Russian village of Andriivka. Unlike the Romanians, the residents of Andriivka have a cult of worshipping these unusual stones. They believe that trovants are saturated with the Earth’s power, and touching them can grant strength and health.
Perhaps “living stones” exist not only in Romania or Oryol region. The locals in these places simply turned out to be more observant. And if the theory that the boulders can breathe, grow, reproduce, and move is confirmed, then perhaps they should be considered living beings. It also cannot be ruled out that trovants possess consciousness and may even be intelligent.
