Mimetoliths: Nature's Stone Faces and Figures

Apophenia, a term often introduced in introductory psychology courses, refers to the human tendency to find meaningful patterns in random or unrelated objects and ideas. This phenomenon manifests in various ways, such as our perception of mimetoliths.

According to geologist Sharon Hill, founder of SpookyGeology.com, a mimetolith is a natural rock formation that mimics living forms, such as human faces or animal shapes. The term, coined by Thomas Orzo MacAdoo and first published by R. V. Dietrich in 1989, originates from the Greek words mimetes (imitator) and lithos (stone).

Hill explains that mimetoliths possess a unique, almost magical quality, similar to the Magic Eye illusion. While some people instantly recognize these formations, others may take longer to spot them. "The experience is striking and evokes strong emotions," she notes. "Humans are naturally inclined to identify patterns, especially faces and human shapes, in the environment. This innate ability leads us to notice numerous rock formations worldwide that resemble faces or heads. We often attribute profound significance to these natural features, regardless of their size, imbuing them with special meaning."

According to Hill, mimetoliths are frequently tied to cultural beliefs and even conspiracy theories. "For early civilizations, seeing familiar shapes emerge from solid rock likely symbolized the influence of supernatural forces in shaping the Earth," she explains. "Many of these formations are steeped in folklore, often tied to creation myths or tales of a mystical past. They evoke a sense of wonder, making the world feel magical even today."

Hill highlights an intriguing aspect of mimetoliths: their transient nature. "The world's most famous mimetoliths are, in essence, temporary and constantly evolving," she states. "Natural forces like gravity, ice, water, and wind gradually erode these rock formations over time."

To honor these fleeting natural marvels, explore these four renowned mimetoliths and see if you can spot the distinctive features that have captivated so many.

1. Old Man of the Mountain

According to Hill, the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire's White Mountains was arguably the most renowned mimetolith ever. "Referred to as the Great Stone Face, this geological formation was first identified by a survey team in 1805 at Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch. Carved from Conway granite, which dates back approximately 169 million years, the profile measured 45 feet (13.7 meters) in height, 30 feet (9.1 meters) in width, and was situated 1,214 feet (370 meters) above the ground."

Hill notes that Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 short story, "The Great Stone Face", brought significant fame to the site. However, over the years, glacial erosion and weathering gradually diminished the distinct features of the face, which were formed by cliff ledges visible from specific northern angles.

"Due to the frequent freeze-thaw cycles in New Hampshire, there was constant worry about the eventual collapse of the formation. Efforts to preserve it included the installation of rods in 1915, sealing cracks in 1937, and the addition of turnbuckles and strain gauges at various intervals," Hill explains.

"The face was designated as the state emblem of New Hampshire in 1945. Unfortunately, it crumbled during a stormy night in 2003. The same natural forces that shaped it ultimately led to its destruction. Despite available technology, its collapse was unavoidable," Hill states.

2. The Grey Man of Merrick

Nestled at the foot of Scotland's Merrick mountain in Galloway Forest Park lies the Grey Man of Merrick, described as a "mimetolith within a mimetolith". This is because Merrick forms the index finger of the Range of the Awful Hand, a group of hills within the Galloway Hills range, located in Scotland's Southern Uplands.

The five hills in this range earned their name due to their striking resemblance to the fingers of a hand when observed from above or on a map.

The rock formation is located on the southeastern slope of Merrick, the tallest peak in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. While the old man’s face is visible from both sides, reaching the site is said to be a reportedly challenging journey.

3. The Face on Mars

"The Face on Mars, a highly controversial mimetolith, was captured in a 1976 photograph by NASA's Viking I spacecraft," Hill explains. "The low resolution of the image led our minds to perceive the pattern of a face where none truly existed."

"Even with one side obscured by shadow, our brains instinctively filled in the missing details. The mystery was finally clarified in 2001. However, the initial impact was so profound that some still cling to the belief in the enigmatic face. This instance highlights how mimetoliths are heavily influenced by the observer's perception," she adds.

NASA reported that on April 5, 1998, the Mars Global Surveyor passed over Cydonia, capturing an image ten times more detailed than the earlier Viking photos. Michael Malin and his Mars Orbiter Camera team took the shot, which was eagerly awaited by thousands online. When the image was finally posted on the JPL website, it showed nothing more than a natural geological feature, dispelling myths of an alien structure.

4. The Queen's Head

In Taiwan's Yehliu Geopark, the Queen's Head is part of a mushroom rock formation. This rock is often compared to the bust of Nefertiti by some, while others see a resemblance to Queen Elizabeth I of England from certain viewpoints.

The famous yet controversial silhouette took shape between 1962 and 1963. Over time, erosion has narrowed the rock's neck, prompting ongoing efforts to strengthen it. As reported by BBC, proposals to protect the Queen's Head, such as encasing it in a glass box, were dismissed due to the risk of typhoon waves dislodging it and causing severe damage to the formation.