The Secrets of Inca Stonemasonry Revealed

🔍Recent research suggests that the Inca used a reddish clay mortar and acidic substances to create the perfect fit and smooth surface of their stone walls.

🌄The Inca stone walls in Peru are made of igneous rocks, such as andesite, diorite, granite, and rhyolite, which contain quartz and feldspar.

⚒️Inca builders used harder stone tools, such as volcanic glass made from obsidian, to shape and grind the stones.

🔍Selective chemical treatment of stone joints and surfaces created a glazed appearance and a smoother texture.

⛰️The interlocking stone structures of the Inca civilization are found not only in Peru but also in other ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece.

What was used to fit the stones together?

—A reddish clay mortar was used to create the perfect fit between the stones.

What kind of stones were used in the Inca stone walls?

—The Inca used igneous rocks, such as andesite, diorite, granite, and rhyolite, which contain quartz and feldspar.

What tools did the Inca builders use?

—The Inca used harder stone tools, such as volcanic glass made from obsidian, to shape and grind the stones.

Why do the stone walls have a glazed appearance?

—Selective chemical treatment of stone joints and surfaces created the glazed appearance and a smoother texture.

Are similar interlocking stone structures found in other ancient civilizations?

—Yes, similar interlocking stone structures are found in other ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece.

00:23The reason behind the perfect fit of the Inca stone walls has long been a mystery.

01:14Recent research suggests that the Inca used a reddish clay mortar and acidic substances to create the perfect fit and smooth surface of their stone walls.

08:45The Inca used igneous rocks, such as andesite, diorite, granite, and rhyolite, which contain quartz and feldspar, in their stone walls.

09:58Inca builders used harder stone tools, such as volcanic glass made from obsidian, to shape and grind the stones.

11:57Selective chemical treatment of stone joints and surfaces created a glazed appearance and a smoother texture in the Inca stone walls.