Another amazing result of nature’s artistic ability are rock formations. Elements such as rain, wind, erosion and water created these beautiful works over a million years. Here is a list of the 10 rarest rocks in the world.
1. Stone tree in Bolivia
This rock is also considered a natural monument of Bolivia. It reaches a height of 7 meters, and its shape was created by continuous sand erosion by strong winds.
More specifically, its distinctive tree shape was created by erosion more than a million years ago. In which the desert sand polished the rocks that gave it shape.
2. Golden rock in Myanmar
Myanmar’s Golden Rock is located on a cliff 1100 meters above sea level. This 5-meter granite boulder is where the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located, where Burmese Buddhists hold their largest pilgrimage.
Pilgrims have been applying gold leaf for several hundred years, which gives it its golden hue. This rock seems to defy gravity and appears to be plummeting, making it look incredible.
According to legend, this rock is nestled on the Buddha’s hair and that those who come to this holy place three times a year will be rewarded with wealth, as well as recognition for the kindness they have done.
3. Delicate Arch in the USA
Delicate Arch, the most popular natural arch in the world, is located in Utah’s Arches National Park. This is due to the gradual breaking of the sandstone fin through erosion and weathering resulting in the arch.
In addition, this 6 meter high arch is the ultimate representation of Utah.
4. Mushroom Rocks in Egypt
This is among the rarest and most famous rocks of its kind in the world. Rocks with mushrooms, or what is also called pedestal rock, get their extraordinary shape due to weathering and erosion.
5. Wave in the USA
This extraordinary sandstone is located in Arizona. It was originally a series of dunes, but as time went by, it turned into solid rock. This reddish and orange undulating landscape was formed by rain and wind. The wave is popular with hikers because of the difficult hike required to reach it.
6. Ayers Rock in Australia
Ayers Rock or Uluru is considered the sacred rock of Australia. This 348-meter-high sandstone formation has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact that it has become a place of pilgrimage for the indigenous population over the years.
This is also one of the world’s largest monoliths that was formed 600 million years ago. It is also very popular for its apparent color change at different times of the year and day, especially as it glows red during sunset and sunrise.
7. Pinnacles in Australia
The peaks in Australia are like James Bond Island, which is also a limestone formation. It is located within Nambug National Park, Western Australia. Its rocks are made of limestone with a sandstone base.
8. Ko Tapu Island in Thailand
Ko Tapu is a stunning limestone monolithic island, 20 meters high, located in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.
This stone pillar is located 200 meters over the coast within the boundaries of Ao Phang Nga National Park. It is known as “James Bond Island” because it was featured in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974.
9. Split Apple Rock in New Zealand
This geological rock is located on the north coast of the South Island, New Zealand. The granite formation is popular because of its unusual shape – the shape of an apple divided into two parts.
This “apple” was split in half naturally. The time of its creation is unknown, but the fact is that this rock has become the main tourist destination in the Abel Tasman National Park.
10. Perce Rock in Canada
Perce’s Rock is among the largest natural harbors in the world located in water and is one of Quebec’s top tourist attractions.
This is a beautiful limestone hill about 88 meters high and extending to 433 meters. The popular arch has a vertical height of 15 meters, however, it has two arches and on June 17, 1845, one of the arches collapsed.
