Black flint stones in area of Nakhsh Mountain near Salwa Road in southern Qatar, May 8, 2015
Stone terraces on the bottom of Ramon Crater, view from a hill covered by black stones. Mitzpe Ramon, the Middle East, February 1, 2001
Hills covered by tanned black stones on the bottom of Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center is seen perched on the top of the rim to the north. The Middle East, February 1, 2001
Approaching a bottom of Ramon Crater, view to the east (zoomed). Hills are covered by black stones. Eastern rim is seen at far distance. The Middle East, February 1, 2001
A bottom of Ramon Crater, with hills covered by tanned black stones, view to north-east from a top of a hill. A grey spot to the left is an exposition of basalt prisms on a bank of a dry river. The Middle East, February 1, 2001
Stones near a trail to Ramon s Tooth (black hill), 5 miles south-east from Mitzpe Ramon. The Middle East, May 3, 2001
Black and orabge lichens on a stone on a rocky ridge in Jabal Al Jassasiya site, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, December 26, 2015
Buellia subalbula (white with black apothecia) and other crustose lichens on stones on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Black flint stones covering surface of a desert on roadside of a road to Sawda Natheel. Southern Qatar, February 5, 2016
Approaching a bottom of Ramon Crater, view to the east (hills on the bottom are covered by black stones). The Middle East, February 1, 2001
Mysterious black stones collected on a terrace near Nahal Darokh river 4.5 miles east from Sde Boker. The Middle East, April 9, 2001
Black stone texture on a beach opposite to Fuwairit Hills (Jabal Fuwayrith), on north-eastern coast. Qatar, March 4, 2010
Black flint stone pitted and polished by wind abrasion (ventifact) taken from Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, April 1, 2016
Black flint stones on a mountain slope in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, March 27, 2015
Big Crater (Makhtesh Gadol), black stones and multicolored sands behind picnic tables. The Middle East, December 23, 2000
Buellia subalbula (white with black apothecia) and other crustose lichens on a stone of rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Black flint stones on a limestone plateau in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, March 27, 2015
Accumulation of rounded black flint stones (ventifacts) on a plateau at the foot of a hill in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, April 1, 2016
Black apothecia of Buellia(?) lichen on a stone in a forest in Kannelyarvi, 45 miles north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 25, 2019
Black stones of an old dam of Volchya River in Petiayarvi, north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 3, 2024
A stone arch bridge of the Kristatelka River situated downstream from the "Adam s Head" sculpture. The bridge features a solid, polished masonry arch topped with a simple, functional black iron railing. Spanning a cascade of moss-covered boulders and small waterfalls, the bridge sits deep within the ravine, creating a secluded atmosphere amplified by the dense canopy of trees. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
This view emphasizes the imposing nature of Hermann Castle while revealing the stark reality of the modern frontier. From this angle, the Tall Hermann Tower looms directly overhead, showcasing its 51-meter height and white-washed stone upper sections. The massive limestone walls of the fortress rise steeply from the riverbank, illustrating why this stronghold was the northernmost defensive point of Livonia. In the foreground, the Friendship Bridge is heavily fortified, contrasting sharply with the medieval architecture. Rows of concrete "dragon s teeth" (pyramidal anti-tank obstacles) and coils of razor wire block the roadway. These fortifications, installed by Estonia around 2024-2025, serve as a physical barrier against potential military threats and unauthorized vehicle crossings, marking the bridge s transformation from a trade route into a secure defensive line. A blue, black, and white flag flies from the castle wall, asserting Estonian sovereignty. Modern security cameras are mounted on the utility pole in the foreground, highlighting the intense monitoring of this border zone. Estonia, October 16, 2025
A weathered stone portal and wooden door at Sauna Street 2 (Sauna 2), in the heart of Tallinn s nightlife district. The arched doorway features a rustic, heavy limestone surround with a prominent keystone. This style is typical of the less ornate, utilitarian medieval architecture found in the Old Town s side streets. The panelled wooden door is heavily distressed, covered in layers of graffiti tags in various colors (silver, red, black). The tags cover nearly every inch, including the panels and the frame, obscuring the original wood finish. The heavy graffiti on this specific door is a hallmark of the area around Sauna Street and Va"ike-Karja, which transforms into a bustling party zone at night. While the historic architecture remains, the street level often bears the marks of the active nightlife scene, creating a gritty contrast between the medieval heritage and modern urban culture. This door is likely a side entrance or utility access for one of the nearby venues like Frank or Sigmund Freud Bar. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
