The Stone of Destiny, a historic Scottish carved seat, will be used in the coronation ceremony of King Charles III on May 6.
Recently, scientists from Historic Environment Scotland performed a laser scan of the artifact and conducted scientific tests, revealing never-before-documented symbols and other anomalies.
The markings include what appear to be Roman numerals, although they may be crude crosses or other symbols, and have not been recorded before.
The stone has a copper alloy stain and the remains of gypsum plaster, which suggests that unknown aspects of its history are not recorded in documents.
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The copper stain implies that a copper or brass object was placed on the stone for a long period, possibly a relic, such as a saint’s bell.
The analysis also showed that a plaster cast of the artifact may have been made, which was unexpected since no records mention it.
The recent scans and tests will make it easier for scholars to study the stone, as it is rarely moved and not easy to view.
The laser scan produced a virtual 3D image of the stone that is now available online for the public and scholars to examine.
Sally Foster, a professor of heritage and conservation at the University of Stirling, expressed surprise at the existence of the cast and noted that the stone’s modifications through time can now be examined by all.
Source Live Science