The rock represents a geological phenomenon known as a “batholith” and was created 1.1 billion years ago when molten magma cooled and crystallized into granite far beneath the Earth's surface.

Enchanted Rock and the other domes are exfoliation domes. They have layers like an onion. After the rock and soil on top wear away, the granite expands ever so slightly because there is less weight bearing down on it. That expansion causes the dome to split into curved sections.