The Al Naslaa rock formation has been split in two by a cut made thousands of years ago, as precise as if it were done with high-tech machinery.
Tayma Oasis in Saudi Arabia is home to a geological mystery that is 4,000 years old – a strange rock that has been perfectly divided in the middle with astonishing accuracy.
The Al Naslaa rock is famous worldwide, consisting of two large sandstone slabs supported by a natural pedestal that seems too small for its purpose. However, what truly draws attention is the perfect separation between the two stones, which appears to have been made by a powerful laser beam.
The world is filled with strange destinations that pique the curiosity of travelers and researchers alike. One such destination is the Al Naslaa rock located in Tayma Oasis, Saudi Arabia, with a cut that is believed to be as perfect as if it were made using modern laser technology, dividing the rock and showcasing mysterious engravings on its surface. (Photo: Unusual Place).
Since the rock, weighing hundreds of tons, was discovered in 1883 by Charles Huver, no one has been able to explain the origin of the cut, how long it has existed, or whether it is a natural phenomenon. (Photo: Ancient-code).
Each half of the rock stands about 7 meters tall, balanced on a smaller rock below. Many speculate that this structure helps to neutralize vibrations from the ground, allowing the rock to remain stable for thousands of years. (Photo: Pinterest).
The meaning of the engravings and symbols on the surface of the rock remains unknown. According to archaeologists, the earliest records of Tayma Oasis date back to the 8th century BC. The carvings and hieroglyphs here may indicate that Tayma was part of an important trade route connecting the Red Sea coast of the Arabian Peninsula and the Nile River valley. (Photo: Indocropcircles).
The back of the Al Naslaa rock is not flat like the front. It is estimated to be up to 10,000 years old. There are two main theories regarding the formation of the Al Naslaa rock. Some believe it is a natural phenomenon, where vibrations from the earth caused the rock to crack in two at its weakest point. Others argue that it is the work of a long-lost civilization with advanced technology. While there are no definitive answers yet, this rock continues to attract thousands of tourists to the Tayma region each year. (Photo: Pinterest).
Several theories surround the cut directly in the middle of the Al Naslaa rock. One theory suggests that the rock sits atop a fault line and that the initial cut was created as the earth below the rock shifted, causing it to split at its weakest point. The resulting crack from this activity later became a form of “tunnel” for desert winds to sweep through the surface. As sand particles flew through the gap over thousands of years, they could have smoothed the uneven crack, leading to a perfectly smooth surface.
Researchers do not rule out the possibility that the crack is a natural fault line, meaning it is a naturally occurring break in the rock without any displacement. This type of fracture can separate stones and may be straight in unusual cases like that of Al Naslaa.
Another theory posits that cyclical freeze-thaw weathering created the crack when ancient water seeped into a small fissure in the sandstone while it was still intact. This water could have frozen, worsening the existing crack. Once the cold period ended, the ice in the crack melted, leaving a perfectly straight gap that divides the rock.
Some believe that Al was formed from a volcano containing some weaker minerals that solidified there before everything was excavated.
However, others argue that Al Naslaa is the work of an advanced ancient civilization or even extraterrestrials. While both of these theories may seem far-fetched, many believe that the vertical split appears too perfect to be natural.
The Al Naslaa rock in 2021. (Photo: Wikimedia).
As for the pedestal on which the rock sits, these are quite common in desert regions, sometimes referred to as mushroom rocks due to their shape. They are typically the result of weathering processes caused by winds blowing faster near the ground, eroding the rock more at that location, or glacial activity causing the rock to shift and balance on another stone.
Due to the nature of sandstone, the Al Naslaa rock is not particularly hard, making it susceptible to weathering and human impact. It is possible that an ancient civilization created this strange rock sculpture as a geographical landmark, a site of religious significance, or an example of primitive art.
