Category:Rai Stones

Rai Stones, also known as Yap Stones, are large, circular stone disks that were historically used as a form of currency on the island of Yap in Micronesia. These stones are notable for their size, often ranging from a few inches to over 10 feet in diameter, and for having a hole in the center. They are made primarily of limestone and were quarried from other islands like Palau, which is about 400 kilometers away from Yap. The value of a Rai Stone is not determined by its size alone but also by its history, the difficulty involved in its quarrying and transportation, and the risks associated with bringing it to Yap. Stones that have notable stories or incidents associated with their transportation tend to have higher value.