Trovants: the fascinating geology of Romanian rocks that 'grow' 1

Trovants: the fascinating geology of Romanian rocks that ‘grow’

In a picturesque setting in Costesti, Romania, nature observers, experts and the general public are attracted by a curious manifestation of nature. In addition to the natural beauty that the region boasts, it is possible to come across a peculiar geological spectacle: stones which, to the inattentive eye, seem to have a life of their own.

Stones that grow and reproduce?

These petrified enigmas are known as trovants. They not only challenge our understanding of the mineral world, but also raise questions about the way nature shapes its surroundings. Unlike conventional rocks, trovants appear to evolve, changing their shapes and, in some reports, even multiplying.

But what makes these stones such a peculiar phenomenon? Its main characteristic is the composition. While many rocks wear away over time, trovants have a strong sandstone constitution, protected by outer layers of sand. This natural shielding keeps them resistant to erosion, allowing them to maintain their integrity over the years.

Its origin dates back to an ancient delta, approximately seven million years ago. At that time, dissolved minerals acted as an adhesive, consolidating sedimentary particles. Over time, these concretions developed rigid outer layers, being shaped and “growing” by interaction with rainwater and their inner minerals.

Trovants: the fascinating geology of Romanian rocks that 'grow' 4

Image: iStockPhotos/Reproduction

But what leaves many speechless is the tiny growth rate of these rocks, which have gained less than 5 centimeters in more than a millennium. It is almost a challenge for human perception to imagine such slowness. And when these stones interact with the rain, curious “bubbles” appear that give the impression of one rock “giving birth” to another.

Diversity is another notable feature. There is no pattern; each trovant is an independent geological entity, with varying shapes. Many exhibit spherical contours, but it is the irregularities that make them intriguing.

At first glance, they may seem like ordinary stones, but they hold a secret: the ability to transform over the ages. Some reach astonishing proportions.

These Romanian formations, which defy logic and science, have become a focal point for those seeking the extraordinary in nature. They are testaments to geological wonders and continue to remind us of the countless wonders and enigmas that our planet Hides.

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