Sandstone Ventifact (Dreikanter)

3D Model

A Ventifact is a rock which has been shaped by abrasion in an aeolian setting. Wind blown sand or ice particles ‘sand blast’ the rock resulting the removal of material, creating pitting, grooves, or flat faces, which form perpendicular to the dominant wind flow direction.

Multiple faces may be abraded into the rock as a result of either changes in wind direction, or the rock itself being moved. In very rare cases, if a ventifact has remained in place, it can be used as tool to determine the paleo wind direction.

Dreikanter is the name given to ventifacts that have 3 faces (most dreikanters resemble small pyramids). The name is a German word which means “three-edged”.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventifact