grottoid

A grottoid is a term used in geology and speleology to describe a feature that resembles a grotto but is not a natural cave. These formations are typically artificial or semi-artificial structures created by humans that mimic the appearance of natural grottos. They often incorporate elements like stalactites, stalagmites, and other speleothem-like structures, which may be sculpted from materials such as concrete, plaster, or even natural stone.

Grottoids are frequently found in gardens, parks, and sometimes as decorative elements within buildings or on estates. Their purpose is primarily aesthetic, aiming to evoke a sense of natural wonder and tranquility associated with caves. They can be designed to include water features, such as small waterfalls or pools, further enhancing the illusion of a natural subterranean environment. While they share visual characteristics with natural grottos, grottoids lack the geological processes of formation over long periods, such as dissolution of soluble rock by water, that define true caves. The term is sometimes used informally to distinguish these artificial creations from their natural counterparts.