Barsoum Confirms Some Blocks Are Geopolymer. Material scientist Michel Barsoum published a pivotal study in 2006 proving at least some limestone blocks were made with geopolymer He found silicon-rich binding material (likely from sand or clay) mixed with limestone minerals (calcium and magnesium) These materials do not combine this way in nature

Material scientist Michel Barsoum of Drexel University published research confirming at least some blocks were made with geopolymer. He found silicon-rich binding material (likely from sand or clay) mixed with limestone minerals (calcium and magnesium). These materials do not combine this way in nature. The binding material looks disordered and glass-like, unlike natural limestone's neat crystal structures. His studies provide evidence that these blocks are not natural limestone but an early form of concrete.

Key Facts

  • Material scientist Michel Barsoum published a pivotal study in 2006 proving at least some limestone blocks were made with geopolymer
  • He found silicon-rich binding material (likely from sand or clay) mixed with limestone minerals (calcium and magnesium)
  • These materials do not combine this way in nature
  • The binding material looks disordered and glass-like, unlike natural limestone's neat crystal structures
  • Pyramid stones contain much more water than normal Egyptian limestone (which is dry)
  • Minerals inside pyramid blocks were found in a hydrated form, which doesn't happen in natural limestone but occurs when minerals form quickly from water
  • Salt was found inside pyramid stones - historical accounts mention salt crystals coating passages when the pyramid was entered in the 9th century
  • Some pyramid blocks show magnetic alignment consistent with being cast in place while hardening
  • This suggests builders used both natural stone and cast blocks, especially higher up where lifting heavy stones was difficult

Related site: Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: They Proved How The Pyramids Were Built: Geopolymer by Universe Inside You