Vikings may have used crystals for navigation as noted in two sources:  The History Channel and Scientific American.  These mystical magical stones that were white and translucent, had a valid use — a crystal clear method of navigation.

Crystals may have had something to do with navigating the seas when it was overcast, when the sun was obscured. Vikings called these crystals sólarsteinns, or sunstones and scientists believe they used these crystals to detect the position of the sun by light polarization. Researchers have been duplicating this possibility with success.

Some of my ancestors were probably Viking Scandinavians who cruised the high seas from 900 to 1200 AD. And they may have used this crystal clear method of navigation. Maybe this is part of my fascination with rocks and minerals.

 

Jaredites and Crystals

The Book of Mormon tells a story about crystals and seafaring vessels. The brother of Jared  built barges that were as tight as a dish he and his family were to cross the ocean in these vessels that had no windows and thus no light. He solves the problem. Somehow, he knows something about using crystal-like stones.
“[He] did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord… (Ether 3)
The stones were illuminated by the finger of God to give them light in their vessels.

Of course, this is not the exact same use of crystal stones that is hypothesized for the Vikings. But the idea that seafaring people used crystals for something–navigation or light is now surfacing in more places than just the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was criticized about the shining stones. But, Hugh Nibley has a great article, called Strange Ships and Shining Stones.  where he writes about other ancient legends that talk about
“a perfectly transparent crystal and called in the Indian sources (which are the fullest) “Moonfriend,” and Jalakanta. The last term is significant, for it means “that which causes the waters to part,”
In the Scientific American article, one scientist,
“Keller says he is “totally open” to the idea that the Vikings also used sunstones, but is waiting for archaeological evidence. “If we find a shipwreck with a crystal on board, then I would be happy,” 

There are believers in the unseen, people of faith. And then there are unbelievers, and unless they actually see, they cannot believe. My sixth grade teacher was from Missouri and she always said smugly, “show me, I’m from Missouri!”

I believe in the unseen. And of course, I love crystals and rocks. I have quite a collection from all my walks.

… the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount…And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. (Ether 3)

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Updated, Originally posted April 30, 2014.