Natural Wonders of the World: Unique Rock Formations

By Vandya Rai

August 22, 2022

Yana Rock

Located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, the two massive rocks are known as Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. They are composed of solid black, crystalline karst limestone.

Karnataka, India

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

The Eye of the Sahara

Formally known as Richat Structure, can only be seen from space. It is a 30-mile dome-shaped feature in the desert formed by uplifted rock that eroded over time.

Adrar Plateau, Mauritania

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Skull Rock

A strange formation located in the desert. Rain eroded its surface over the years, trapping water long enough to form little pits for “eye sockets”.

Joshua Tree, Southern California

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Turnip Rock

Standing in shallow waters, this rock looks like an upside-down mountain. It was formed over time as waves eroded at the soft limestone until the bottom grew thinner.

Lake Huron, Michigan

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

The Giant’s Causeway

Hexagonal stepping stones that disappear into the sea. They are made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Split Apple Rock

Has existed since the Ice Age. The round rock has a sharp split down its middle. The split in the granite was caused due to the expansion and contraction in water

South Island, New Zealand

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Shilin Stone Forest

Tall limestone formations that arise from the ground, like petrified trees. They cover almost 300 km of land and date back to 270 million years ago.

Kunming, China

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

White Desert

Oddly shaped chalk formations that resemble mushrooms, camels, and marshmallows. Their shape is influenced by the elements carving away at the soft chalk material.

Farafra Depression, Egypt

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Chocolate Hills

Unusually symmetrical limestone formations that range from 30-50 metres high, with the largest at 120 metres. There are 1,268 of these mounds, all covered in grass. They were formed due to the uplift of coral deposits and erosion by rainwater.

Bohol, Philippines

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Wave Rock

Looks just like a tall, crashing ocean wave! It is caused due to the periodic weathering of granite and dates back to 2.63 billion years ago.

Hyden, Western Australia

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location

Elephant Rock

Was submerged under the sea, millions of years ago! It is shaped like a gigantic elephant, with a prominent trunk. The Aztec Sandstone was formed by shifting sand dunes.

Valley of Fire, Nevada

Image Source: Alamy

Off-white Location