Among the three primary fingerprint patterns (loops, arches, and whorls), whorls are considered the rarest. They feature a circular or spiral pattern, often with multiple loops or swirls. Whorls account for approximately 25-35% of all fingerprint patterns, making them less common than loops (60-65%) and arches (5-10%). The combination of different fingerprint patterns, including whorls, creates an almost infinite variety of unique identifiers, further enhancing the reliability of fingerprint analysis for personal identification and criminal investigations.