Charmstone

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This pebble, known as an 'elfie stone', is from Treeton, near Fort George in Inverness-shire. It was said to have fallen from the clouds.

The water-worn pebble has a naturally occurring cross mark on one surface. It was used as a protective amulet or 'counter-charm', probably against the fairies.

It was given to the Museum in 1953 by Mrs E. M. Barron of Nairn.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-759-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 85
• Date: Possibly 18th or 19th century
  
• Material: Stone
  
• Dimensions: 25 mm H; 55 mm D
  
• What:
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Fort George, Treeton
  
• Event:
• Description: Pebble with a natural cross on one side, from Treeton, near Fort George, Inverness-shire, supposed to have fallen from the clouds
  
• References:
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 87 (1952-3), p 203 
• Translations:
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