carnstabba logan stone
 paint-work. oil and mixed media onto board.120cmx180cm
logan stones are called such for their ability to move in relation to the tor or grounder of which it is associated. this might, as is the case of the stone at treen be a balancing action apparently rocking in heavy winds or by applying pressure to one of its edges. they are finely balanced so that the use of a small force allows them to rock. it is well known that extremely large holders can be moved considerable distances using two small stones acting as fulcrum points and spinning them consecutively. however logan stones are locked into position and only move in one direction in relation to its fulcrum point.
pliny the elder (23–79) wrote about a rock near harpasa (in caria, asia minor) that could be moved with a finger but could not be dislodged with a thrust of the whole body. ptolemy (ca. 90 – ca. 168) wrote about the gygonian rock, which he claimed could be moved by pushing on it with the stalk of an asphodel, but could not be removed by any force.they are found throughout the world and can be attributed to natural formation through glacial action or tor formation although some are considered to be created by human agency and are megalithic formations. this ability to move using minimum force has given them apparent magical qualities. they have attracted much attention over the course of their existence and the many myths connected to them, variously associated with burial or ceremonial uses, have endorsed their mythic force in the minds of men. many were move into a stationary position by christian zealots under cromwells commonwealth determined to undermine their ‘superstitious’ power and influence. the rocking stone near cliffs at st davids pembrokeshire was moved into a stationery position and the loganstone men amber at penndennis, cornwall was destroyed.
not yet acknowledged as a logan stone, the balanced stone at carnstabba nr halestown, st.ives is nevertheless a possible candidate. its quoit-like shape and form is a notable marker within the surrounding landscape. it is inter-visible from the three high points to the south and west; the tor enclosure of trencrom ; the ceremonial complex at trink hill; and the major tors and their associated barrows at rosewall hill. it can also be clearly seen on its approach from st ives and steeple woods in the east where it most clearly takes the form of a quoit.
this carn is of a tri-part stacked formation and as can be observed from its shape, the top stone appears to have been rotated in relation to the two supporting stones below giving it, significantly, a north- south orientation. it has solutions basins on this top stone and on the stone immediately below in such a position that suggests this rotation was made before their formation.
it has a altar-like stone at the base on its northern flank which has a small cup-like basin holding water.
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