Noferin is an Inselberg – an isolated small mountain rising abruptly from an otherwise flat area of land. It is said to be primarily sandstone, however large quantities of quartz and granite are also present. This presence of stronger rock matter has enabled Noferin to resist weathering and erosion over the years. Estimated to be well over 12 million years old, Noferin is thought to be as old as the Island itself. Noferin rises 123 metres above the fertile eastern plain, or 148 metres above sea level. Its circumferance exceeds 800 metres.

The presence of iron-bearing minerals gives the outer surface a reddish-brown, almost rusty colour. When examined in detail, however, a multitude of different colours can be seen including most variances of the colour spectrum. These colours signify a high population of minerals and nutrients, of which, add to the soil and provide essential elements for forest growth.

Noferin is unusual in that there are no parting or bedding surfaces and thus no development of soil within close proximity of the rock. In fact, an almost perfectly symmetrical ring of orange coloured sand with a width of some 50 metres circles the rock, supporting only thickets of grass and succulents. This environment is similar to the north-western slopes of Carrara Island. At a distance greater than 50 metres from the rock, however, the soil becomes thick and extremely fertile. Tests have found high concentrations of minerals in the soil leached from Noferin at depths of 20 metres. Probes have not been able to accurately determine the depth of the fertile topsoil in these parts. It is estimated to be greater than 30 metres – a figure unseen anywhere else in the world.

The Noferin Stone is said to be the guardian of the green-green growth. Expeditions have concluded that plant density within a 2 kilometre radius of the rock far surpasses any other area of the Island. Many of these plants are endemic to Carrara Island – they can not be found anywhere else in the world – and most are yet to be classified.

Carrara Island does have other mountain ranges, however the Noferin Stone distinguishes itself due to its isolation. Claims that the rock acts as a counter-balance to the weight of mountains on the western side of Carrara Island cannot be substantiated. Preliminary tests signify an underground rock mass many times that which is visible on the surface, but without further testing and extensive excavations, there is no way to reach a validated conclusion.

The Noferin Stone is almost entirely a dome shape except for a deep depression at its front and an extended rock over-hang. Legend has it that these features are in fact an ancient face.

Noferin continues to remain an important feature of the Island, holding special significance within local festivities.

Jac Jac.