Petrifying well

A petrifying well is a well which gives objects a stone-like appearance. If an object is placed into such a well and left there for a period of months or years, the object acquires a stony exterior.

Nature

If an object is placed into such a well and left there for a period of weeks or months the object acquires a stony exterior. At one time this property was believed to be a result of magic or witchcraft, but it is an entirely natural phenomenon and due to a process of evaporation and deposition in waters with an unusually high mineral content.

This process of petrifying is not to be confused with petrification wherein the constituent molecules of the original object are replaced (and not merely overlaid) with molecules of stone or mineral.

Examples

Notable examples of petrifying wells in England are the spring at Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough and Matlock Bath, in Derbyshire. While in Ireland, such wells were noted by John Rutty on Howth Head,[1] among other locations.

  • Petrifying well, frontal montage. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
  • Petrifying well. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
  • Petrifying well with items petrifying. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
  • Petrifying well with items petrifying. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
  • Petrifying well view from top. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Notes and references
  1. Rutty, John (1757) A Methodical Synopsis of Mineral Waters, comprehending the most celebrated medicinal waters, both cold and hot, of Great-Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy, and several other parts of the world, London: William Johnston; p. 351
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