How do ventifacts form?

Ventifacts are geometric rocks that are formed through a process known as sandblasting, which is a form of physical weathering caused by wind. This process occurs when the wind carries small particles, like sand, and blows them against the rock. As a result of repetitive impact, the rock's surface becomes smoothed and sometimes polished, taking on distinct, often geometric, shapes over time.

The process is remarkably similar to how sandblasting is used in industrial applications to clean or shape hard surfaces. This allows ventifacts to be found in areas such as deserts or beaches where wind speeds are high, and loose sand is available.

Ventifacts should not be confused with other rock formations that are due to slow chemical weathering, dissolution, or the breaking apart of rocks along cracks. These processes have unique characteristics that differentiate them from the sandblasting method that forms ventifacts.