Are Trovants Alive?

Quck answer

Trovants, also known as “living stones,” are not actually alive. They are a type of rock formation found in Romania that appear to grow and multiply over time. The process behind their formation involves a combination of geological and chemical factors, such as the presence of minerals and water. As water seeps into the rocks, it triggers a chemical reaction that causes the formation of new layers. This gives the illusion that the stones are growing or reproducing. However, the growth is purely a result of external factors and does not involve any living organisms.

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We hope you brought your luggage because today, we’re venturing outside of Wonderopolis. Where are we headed? It’s a place famous for its brown bears, Gothic churches, and vampires. That’s correct! We’re referring to Romania.

Romania is situated in eastern Europe on the Black Sea. And there’s plenty to explore there! It’s home to an underground glacier and a hidden waterfall, just to mention a few interesting places. However, we’re specifically going to a town called Costesti. There, we’ll find the trovants, which are also known as living stones.

Are you curious about how stones can be alive? Well, the trovants aren’t actually alive, but they grow as if they were! For many years, the locals of Costesti have witnessed these boulders gradually increasing in size.

The trovants come in various sizes. Some are only a few inches in diameter, while others have grown to be larger than adult humans. The largest ones weigh several tons. People have even cut them open and discovered rings inside some trovants, similar to those used to determine a tree’s age.

These peculiar growing rocks have captivated people for generations. Many have attempted to explain their growth. Today’s geologists have their own theory that could account for this strange phenomenon.

How do modern experts explain the trovants? The stones are composed of compressed sand and carbonate. When it rains, the sediments may absorb some of the water. This increases the pressure inside the stones and causes them to grow over time.

Growth isn’t the only factor that gives the impression that trovants are alive. They are also known to “reproduce” through new deposits of sandstone after heavy rainfall. Similar to the sailing stones of Racetrack Playa, they also move, although not very far. This is likely due to temperature changes in the surrounding soil.

Of course, trovants are not the only stones that experience growth. In fact, many rocks change in size over time due to erosion and accumulation. However, it usually takes thousands or millions of years for a noticeable change in size to occur.

Have you ever seen a trovant in person? Romania has the highest number of them, but they can be found in other parts of the world as well. However, if you ever visit a trovant, don’t expect to witness it growing before your eyes. It takes many years for a significant change in size to become apparent in these “living stones.”

Try It Out

Ready to continue learning? Take a look at the activities below with the assistance of a friend or family member.

• Today, the Trovanti Museum Natural Reserve protects the trovants in Costesti. To learn more about these “living stones” and see pictures taken by people, visit Tripadvisor. Have you ever thought of seeing the stones in person? Talk about it with a friend or family member.
• Although scientists have an explanation for the growth of trovants, people used to come up with their own stories and theories about these living stones. Imagine you just saw the trovants for the first time. How would you explain their growth? Use your imagination! Share your explanation with a friend or family member, and then explain what actually happens according to geologists today.
• Gain knowledge about how erosion shapes our planet. Afterward, create a poster on paper or online that educates others about erosion. Make sure to include at least one picture and five interesting facts that you have read. Once you finish, share your creation with a friend or family member!

Sources of Wonder

• https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/trovants-costesti-valcea-county-romania (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://www.archaicknowledge.com/trovants-living-stones-science-legends/ (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://www.livescience.com/32234-can-rocks-grow.html (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://www.sciencealert.com/these-strange-bulging-geological-manifestations-loom-over-romania (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/15-fascinating-facts-about-romania/ (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB8Jq26dw6k (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)
• https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 15 Mar. 2021)

FAQ

1. Are Trovants alive?

No, Trovants are not alive. They are actually a type of geological phenomenon known as “concretions.” Trovants are spherical stones that have the ability to grow and multiply over time. This growth is caused by a combination of mineral-rich water and unique geological conditions. While they may seem like living organisms due to their ability to change shape and size, they do not exhibit any signs of life such as metabolism or reproduction. Trovants are purely a result of natural geological processes.

2. How do Trovants form?

Trovants form through a process called cementation. It begins when a mineral-rich water source infiltrates sedimentary rock or soil. Over time, the minerals in the water start to accumulate around a nucleus, such as a small stone or organic material. As more minerals are deposited, layers of sediment build up, causing the Trovant to grow in size. This process can take thousands or even millions of years. The unique composition of the minerals and the specific geological conditions determine the shape and structure of the Trovant.

3. Can Trovants move on their own?

No, Trovants cannot move on their own. Despite their ability to change shape and size, it is not due to any form of locomotion. The movement of Trovants is a result of external factors such as erosion, weathering, or tectonic activity. Over time, these factors can cause the surrounding soil or sediment to erode, exposing the Trovant and making it appear as if it has moved. However, this movement is passive and not a result of any internal or autonomous action by the Trovant itself.

4. Where can Trovants be found?

Trovants can be found in various locations around the world, but they are most commonly found in Romania. The village of Costesti is particularly famous for its Trovants. These unique geological formations have also been discovered in other countries such as Russia, Czech Republic, and the United States. Trovants are typically found in areas with sedimentary rock or soil, where the conditions for their formation are favorable. They are often unearthed during construction or excavation activities.

5. Are Trovants valuable?

Trovants are not considered valuable in terms of monetary worth. While they are fascinating geological formations, they do not possess any intrinsic or commercial value. However, they are highly valued for their scientific and educational significance. Trovants provide insights into geological processes and can help scientists understand the Earth’s history and formation. They are also popular among tourists and collectors who appreciate their unique shapes and textures. So, while Trovants may not have a monetary value, they are certainly treasured for their natural beauty and geological importance.