What are Holey Stones?
What Are Holey Stones?
Have you ever picked up a pebble on the beach and discovered a hole running right through it? These curious little finds are known as holey stones, and spotting one among the pebbles can feel like finding treasure.
I love coming across them on my beachcombing walks along the Northumberland coast. Each one has its own shape and character, with a story shaped by nature long before it finds its way into your hand.
What is a Holey Stone?
A holey stone is a stone with a naturally formed hole passing all the way through it. Unlike a pebble drilled by a person, its opening has developed through natural processes.
You may also hear them called hag stones, witch stones, lucky stones or adder stones. Their unusual appearance has inspired stories and beliefs for generations.
How Are Holey Stones Formed?
Holey stones can form in several ways, depending on the rock and its surroundings.
Water, sand and small stones can gradually wear away weaker parts of a rock. Sometimes, a softer inclusion erodes away, leaving an opening behind.
Marine creatures can also play a part. Boring molluscs called piddocks make holes in softer rock; when that rock later breaks apart and wears down, the resulting pebbles may retain those holes.
Every find is a small reminder of the ways our coastline changes over time.
The Folklore of Holey Stones
In British and European folklore, naturally holed stones have often been associated with luck and protection.
People hung them near doorways, in stables or on boats, believing they could offer protection from misfortune. Other tales suggest that looking through the hole might reveal fairies or things normally hidden from view.
These are traditional beliefs rather than proven powers, but they add another layer of fascination to an already intriguing beach find.
Are Holey Stones Lucky?
There is no evidence that a holey stone can change your luck, but finding one can certainly make a beach walk feel special.
Perhaps their appeal lies in that unexpected moment of discovery: noticing something unusual, picking it up and realising it has a little window right through its centre.
Whether you treasure the folklore or simply love their shape, a holey stone can become a lovely reminder of a favourite place or day beside the sea.
Where Can You Find Holey Stones?
Look among pebbles and shingle on beaches where naturally holed rocks occur. You may also find them along riverbanks.
Walk slowly and look closely—an opening can be easy to miss until you turn a pebble over. Always follow local guidance about collecting, and take care around tides, cliffs and rough seas.
For me, part of the pleasure is never knowing what the next beach walk will reveal.
A Little Wonder Among the Pebbles
The next time you walk along the shore, take a closer look at the stones beneath your feet. Among the sea glass, shells and pebbles, you might find a little holey stone of your own.
And whether you believe in their luck or simply enjoy the discovery, that small find might become a treasured reminder of the coast.
From Beach Find to Recycled Silver Keepsake
My fascination with these unusual pebbles inspired me to make tiny recycled sterling silver holey stones.
They are my own silver interpretation of a much-loved beach find, bringing the character of a holey stone into a small, precious keepsake.
If you love beachcombing, coastal folklore or collecting reminders of the sea, they offer a lovely way to treasure that connection. They also make a thoughtful gift for someone who is happiest beside the water.