See Parideiras Stones, Arouca Geopark, Portugal

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Parideiras stones are a rare geological phenomenon, a type of stones that sprout from a mother rock, a nodular block of granite origin with 1000 x 600 m, hence called Parideiras. Nodules 1 to 12 cm in diameter with discoid and biconvex forms are composed of the same mineralogical elements as granite, the outer layer is composed of biotite and the inner layer has a quartz and potassium feldspar nucleus. These nodules, when descaling from the mother rock nuclei by thermoclast / cryoclast, leave a low relief outer layer on the mother rock nuclei and spread around it. The Parideiras stones symbolize fertility in the ancient tradition of the region, this tradition is still present in the local population. Sleeping with a birthstone under the pillow is thought to increase fertility. The Parideiras stones are located in the Serra da Freitas in Portugal and Russia, near St. Petersburg. They are a rare phenomenon on Planet Earth, which is why visitors to these places are asked not to collect stones for personal use.

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