1,2,1,- 1Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Research into the Anthropocene, Toruń, Poland (darek@geopan.torun.pl)
- 2Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
- 3Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
- 4State Office for Mining, Geology and Raw Materials of Brandenburg, Cottbus, Germany
Until the early 20th century, the economy operated in a nearly zero-waste manner, where tools and utensils were utilized until they were completely worn out and subsequently repurposed. A prime example of this historical circular economy is the reuse of millstones and quernstones. On the Southern Baltic Lowlands, these objects were often crafted in situ from Pleistocene erratic boulders transported by the Scandinavian ice sheet. Due to their high production costs and durable material, worn-out stones were rarely discarded; instead, they were adapted for new, often symbolic or structural roles.
Beyond their primary function in food production, these stones developed a specific emotional and cultural bond with human communities. In folklore and biblical tradition, the millstone became a powerful symbol of transformation, death, and rebirth. This spiritual dimension is reflected in their widespread use in sacred and funerary contexts. Millstones were commonly repurposed as altars, ciboria, and gravestones in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries. A unique regional phenomenon, particularly prevalent in Northern Poland and Northeastern Germany, was the practice of embedding millstones into the exterior walls of churches, where they served both as construction material and objects of local symbolic significance.
Structurally, the mass and pre-existing axial holes of these stones made them ideal for stabilizing monuments. Historical and archaeological evidence points to their use as foundations and socket-stones for high crosses. In these cases, the stones provided a ready-made anchorage system for large stone or wooden shafts.
In the modern era, these artifacts have transitioned into the realm of geotourism and geoeducation. Often featured in lapidaries or integrated into the small architecture of public parks and private gardens, they continue to document the enduring relationship between human creativity and geological resources. This long-standing practice of stone reuse demonstrates an early mastery of sustainable material management and remains a vital part of our geocultural heritage.
This work was supported by the National Science Centre, Poland (Grant No. 2019/35/B/HS3/03933).
How to cite: Brykała, D., Czubla, P., Piotrowski, R., Bartz, W., and Juschus, O.: Secondary Use of Millstones and Quernstones as an Example of Historical Circular Economy and Geocultural Heritage, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-10700, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-10700, 2026.
