# Unraveling Ancient Claims: The Myth of Liquid Rock
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Chapter 1: Understanding Odd Claims
How should we approach strange assertions?
Humans often accept information at face value without questioning its validity. While it’s not necessary to debunk every bizarre idea that surfaces, we should always ask, “What evidence supports this assertion?” If no evidence exists, then, as Christopher Hitchens famously stated, “What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.”
Let's examine a case in point: The Liquid Rock Hypothesis.
The image featured at the beginning depicts what appears to be liquid rock. This sparked curiosity among some individuals about its origins and how it might have been created. One user shared it on Facebook, asking:
"Are there any stonemasons who can clarify this 10,000-year-old piece of liquefied granite?"
Responses included:
- "This is strange..."
- "I would love to learn more."
- "If you believe in God, anything is possible."
- "This must be technology from another world."
- "I'm at a loss for words."
Someone then inquired about the source of the image.
That’s an excellent question. The original poster replied:
"I found it on a Russian site. I had to dig through their image catalog to locate this photo, which claimed it was 10,000 years old. I’m hoping for an explanation."
Another user sensibly asked, “How do you know it’s 10,000 years old?” Unfortunately, that question went unanswered. The original poster later mentioned that the Russian site had asserted the image's age.
The speculation continued, with one commenter suggesting outlandish theories about ancient technology capable of melting stone with light and sound. Eventually, someone provided the correct source of the image (more on this shortly).
It’s worth noting that at least one person had the sense to perform a Google image search. This simple action can lead to the origins of an image; just copy the URL, go to Google, select “Image,” and paste the URL. This skill can be invaluable when confronting unusual claims.
The original poster responded to the source revelation:
"I found this image on a Russian archaeological website. It wasn’t even listed. I had to search their image index myself. It merely stated it was 10,000 years old, likely from carbon analysis. What (name omitted) is presenting could indeed be the answer."
But the reality is, there is no "could" about it; the response was the definitive answer. Unlike the Russian website, the source linked to credible, verifiable evidence, providing a precise and trustworthy explanation.
What’s truly strange is that even after the correct answer was posted, other commenters continued to entertain extraterrestrial theories.
Debunking Unusual Claims
People often react to inexplicable phenomena with bizarre hypotheses. Speculation can be entertaining, but clinging to odd theories even after receiving the correct evidence is perplexing. Humans can be quite irrational at times.
If the correct answer hadn’t been revealed and the mystery remained, the appropriate response would have been, “I don’t know,” not “Aliens” or “Ancient stone-melting plants.” Such notions are simply whimsical theories lacking factual basis.
Instead of diving into the bizarre claims surrounding this, I will refer you to an article in “Ancient American Explorer Magazine,” which features the same image and discusses the idea of ancient stone-softening plants.
Some fringe theorists and pseudoscientists believe that megalithic sites in Peru and Bolivia utilized a rare plant that softens stone for construction. They claim there’s a bird in the Amazon basin that uses a plant to craft nests within stone, suggesting this plant has properties that render stone malleable.
While the stones at Sacsayhuamán seem to have been molded like clay and exhibit signs of vitrification, logical explanations exist for how the Inca and other local groups shaped these massive structures to fit seamlessly.
In general, people tend to concoct bizarre theories about stone-softening when faced with impressive stonework, but the actual methods used to create these ancient artifacts are well understood.
Hint: Experts discussing ancient monuments typically do not involve aliens or mysterious stone-melting plants.
The Reveal: A Modern Creation
So, where exactly did the image at the beginning of this article originate?
The truth is, it’s modern art. The artifact, along with many similar pieces, was created by Galician sculptor José Manuel Castro López. You can view his work on Facebook, where he shares images of his sculptures.
Here are additional examples of his artistry:
He’s not melting stone; as a sculptor, he shapes it using power tools. Here are some photos of him working on a large piece:
I wonder how he feels about his work being linked to ancient aliens or magical stone-softening plants. I suspect he finds it quite amusing.
Further Reading on José Manuel Castro López's Work
- José Manuel Castro López’s Amazing Malleable Stone Sculptures
- 21 Stones Transformed Into Mind-Boggling, Putty-Like Shapes
- His Facebook profile.
Final Thoughts
When confronted with extraordinary claims lacking evidence, skepticism and doubt are the best responses. Accepting things at face value until proven otherwise is unwise.
Remember, you are not obligated to disprove any claims. It is the responsibility of the claimant to provide credible evidence. If they fail to do so, then the claim holds no weight until valid proof is presented. Debunking absurd notions is not your responsibility.