Viking sunstones, also known as solar stones, are fascinating artifacts that have captured the interest and curiosity of historians and archaeologists for decades. These stones are believed to have played a significant role in Viking navigation, helping the seafaring warriors to navigate the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. In this article, we will explore the meaning and function of Viking sunstones, what they are made of, how they work, how to make one, and how to use one.
Viking sunstone meaning
The meaning of Viking sunstones lies in their significance as a tool that allowed the Vikings to navigate the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. These stones are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Viking people, who were able to overcome the challenges of navigating in an era before modern technology. The use of sunstones also represents a deep understanding of the natural world and the forces that govern it. Today, Viking sunstones serve as a symbol of the Viking spirit of exploration and discovery, and they continue to capture the imaginations of people around the world.
What is a Viking Sunstone Made of?
A Viking sunstone, also known as a solar stone, is made of a type of crystal called calcite. Calcite is a transparent mineral that is commonly found in Iceland and Norway, which were regions frequented by the Vikings. The crystal has a unique property that allows it to refract light in a way that creates a double image of the sun. This means that when the sun is low on the horizon, and it’s difficult to determine its exact position, a Viking sunstone can be used to locate its position in the sky.
Calcite is a carbonate mineral that is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich water. It is typically found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, and it is also a common constituent of the shells of marine organisms. Calcite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft and easy to carve. This made it an ideal material for the Vikings to use when creating their sunstones.
The calcite crystals used to make Viking sunstones are often pale in color, with a slightly milky appearance. They are typically rectangular or square in shape, with smooth, polished surfaces that allow them to refract light with greater precision. The size of the crystal can vary, but it is usually small enough to be held in one hand.
How Does a Viking Sunstone Work?
The way a Viking sunstone works is quite simple. When the sun is low on the horizon, a Viking navigator would hold the sunstone up to the sky and rotate it until the crystal split the sunlight into two distinct images. By using the position of these images, the navigator could determine the angle of the sun and estimate the direction of travel. This allowed the Vikings to navigate even when the sun was obscured by clouds or fog.
A Viking sunstone works by using the unique optical properties of calcite to locate the position of the sun, even when it is obscured by clouds or fog. The crystal is able to split the sunlight into two distinct images, which allows the navigator to determine the angle of the sun and estimate the direction of travel.
When the sun is low on the horizon, the navigator would hold the sunstone up to the sky and rotate it until the crystal split the sunlight into two images. These images will be located at a 90-degree angle to each other. Once the double image of the sun has been located, the navigator can use the position of the double image to determine the angle of the sun and estimate their direction of travel.
The reason a Viking sunstone is able to split sunlight into two distinct images is due to a phenomenon called birefringence. Calcite crystals have two different refractive indices, which means that they bend light differently depending on the direction it is traveling through the crystal. When light enters the crystal at a certain angle, it is split into two polarized rays that travel at slightly different angles. This causes the double image of the sun to appear when the sunstone is held up to the sky.
To use a Viking sunstone effectively, the navigator would need to have a good understanding of the position of the sun at different times of the day and year. They would also need to be able to interpret the position of the double image of the sun accurately. While this method of navigation may seem primitive by modern standards, it was a remarkable feat of technology and ingenuity for its time.
How to Make a Viking Sunstone
To make a Viking sunstone, you will need a piece of calcite crystal that is roughly the size of your palm. You will also need a saw, sandpaper, and a piece of string. Start by cutting the crystal into a rectangular shape with the saw, and then use the sandpaper to smooth out the edges. Tie the string around the crystal, and your Viking sunstone is ready to use.
Making a Viking sunstone is a relatively straightforward process that involves shaping a piece of calcite crystal into a rectangular or square shape with smooth, polished surfaces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a Viking sunstone:
- Obtain a piece of calcite crystal. This can be purchased from a mineral supplier or 2.found in regions where calcite is common, such as Iceland or Norway.
- Cut the crystal into the desired shape using a saw or other cutting tool. A rectangular or square shape with smooth, flat surfaces is ideal for creating the double image of the sun.
- Grind the edges of the crystal using a grinder or sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and create a clean, polished edge.
- Polish the surfaces of the crystal using a polishing wheel or polishing compound. This will help to improve the clarity and transparency of the crystal.
- Test the crystal to ensure that it is able to split the sunlight into two images. This can be done by holding the crystal up to the sun and rotating it until the double image is visible.
Once the Viking sunstone has been created, it can be used for navigation by holding it up to the sky and rotating it until the double image of the sun is visible. With practice, the navigator can use the position of the double image to estimate the angle of the sun and determine their direction of travel.
How to Use a Viking Sunstone
Using a Viking sunstone requires a bit of practice and patience, but it’s not too difficult to master. Begin by holding the sunstone up to the sky with the string facing you. Rotate the stone slowly until you see two images of the sun. These images will be located at a 90-degree angle to each other. Once you have located the images, use the position of the double image to determine the angle of the sun and estimate your direction of travel.
Using a Viking sunstone to navigate requires some practice and skill, but once mastered, it can be an effective tool for determining direction in cloudy or foggy conditions. Here are the steps to using a Viking sunstone:
- Find a location with an unobstructed view of the sky, preferably on the deck of a ship or in an open field.
- Hold the Viking sunstone up to the sky with one hand, and with the other hand, rotate the crystal until it splits the sunlight into two images.
- Move the sunstone until the two images are aligned with the horizon, and note the angle between the images.
- Determine the position of the sun by comparing the angle between the two images with a table of solar declinations.
- Estimate the direction of travel by using the position of the sun as a reference point.
It’s important to note that Viking sunstones were not used alone for navigation. They were often used in conjunction with other methods such as dead reckoning, where the navigator would estimate their position based on their speed, direction of travel, and estimated time since their last known position.
Using a Viking sunstone requires a good understanding of the position of the sun at different times of the day and year, as well as an ability to accurately interpret the position of the double image of the sun. It takes practice to become proficient in using a Viking sunstone for navigation, but with time and patience, it can be an effective tool for determining direction in challenging conditions.
Did Vikings Use Sunstones?
The use of sunstones by Vikings has been the subject of much debate and speculation in recent years. While there is no direct evidence that Vikings used sunstones, several historical accounts suggest that they did. For example, a saga from the 13th century tells the story of a Viking king named Olaf who used a sunstone to navigate during a sea battle. Additionally, several calcite crystals have been found on Viking ships, suggesting that they were used for navigation.
Conclusion
Viking sunstones are an intriguing piece of Viking history that have captured the imaginations of people around the world. Whether or not Vikings actually used these stones for navigation, there is no denying that they hold a special place in Viking mythology and culture. If you’re interested in learning more about Viking history, a Viking sunstone is a great place to start.
