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Monolith facts for kids

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Uluru, helicopter view, cropped
Uluru in Australia is a famous natural monolith. Geologists prefer not to call it the "biggest monolith."
Monolithos 1
The Monolithos fortress on Rhodes, Greece, is built on a large rock.
Brand hires trimmed
Brandberg Mountain in Namibia is an example of a huge natural monolith.
Gávea
Pedra da Gávea is a large rock near the sea in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A monolith is a huge, single piece of rock. It can be a natural rock formation, like a giant mountain, or a very large stone used in a building or monument. Natural monoliths are often made of very hard rock that has been exposed by erosion.

The word "monolith" comes from ancient languages. It combines two Ancient Greek words: monos, meaning "one" or "single," and lithos, meaning "stone." So, a monolith is literally a "single stone."

What are Geological Monoliths?

Geological monoliths are natural rock formations. They are usually mountains or hills made of one very large, solid piece of rock. Over millions of years, softer rocks around them wear away due to erosion. This leaves the harder, single rock standing tall. These formations are often made of strong igneous (volcanic) or metamorphic rock (changed by heat and pressure) types.

Famous Monoliths in Africa

  • Aso Rock, Nigeria
  • Ben Amera, Mauritania
  • Brandberg Mountain, Namibia
  • Sibebe, Swaziland
  • Zuma Rock, Nigeria
  • Mount Lubiri, Angola
  • Mount Poi, Kenya
  • Great Sphinx of Giza

Monoliths in Antarctica

  • Scullin monolith

Monoliths in Asia

Savandurga
Savandurga in India is one of the largest monoliths in Asia.
Sanglahill
Sangla Hill in Pakistan is a notable natural rock formation.

Monoliths in Australia

Monoliths in Europe

Peñon de Ifach-2009
Penyal d'Ifac in Spain stands out by the sea.

Monoliths in North America

United States Monoliths

Beacon rock
Beacon Rock in Washington is a striking natural feature.
El Capitan in 2010
El Capitan is a massive rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

Canadian Monoliths

Stawamus sharp
Stawamus Chief is a large granite dome near Squamish, British Columbia.

Mexican Monoliths

  • La Peña de Bernal, Queretaro; this is said to be the world's third largest monolith.

Monoliths in South America

Elpenolantioquia
El Peñón in Colombia is a popular climbing spot.
  • El Peñón, also known as El Peñol Stone or La Piedra, Colombia
  • Pão de Açúcar, Brazil
  • Pedra da Gávea, Brazil, the world's largest monolith on a coastline
  • Pedra da Galinha Choca, Brazil
  • Torres del Paine, Chile

Monoliths in Space

  • Phobos monolith on Phobos (a moon of Mars)
  • Mars monolith

What are Monumental Monoliths?

Monumental monoliths are large structures carved or moved by people. They are made from a single piece of rock. These can be statues, columns, or entire buildings carved out of a single rock face. They show amazing ancient engineering and artistic skill.

See also

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