The striking red color observed on parts of Rainbow Island, often associated with Hormuz Island in the Persian Gulf due to its vibrant geological features, is primarily attributed to the composition of its soil.
The Source of the Red Hue
Hormuz Island is significantly composed of red soil and salt rock (Shayeganpour et al., 2021). This distinctive red soil gets its coloration from specific iron-bearing minerals.
Based on scientific analysis, the red color originates from a mixture of hematite and iron hydroxides (Faramarzi et al., 2019). While both types of minerals contribute to the overall hue, the concentration of hematite is higher, making it the dominant factor in producing the intense red (Faramarzi et al., 2019).
Think of it like rust; hematite (an iron oxide) is essentially a naturally occurring form of rust, and its presence in high quantities gives the soil its characteristic reddish appearance.
Minerals Contributing to the Redness
| Mineral | Composition Detail | Relative Abundance | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hematite | Iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) | Dominant | Faramarzi et al., 2019 |
| Iron Hydroxides | Iron compounds with OH⁻ ions | Less Dominant | Faramarzi et al., 2019 |
This geological richness, particularly the abundance of hematite in the soil, is what gives specific areas of Hormuz Island their famous red color, contributing to its reputation as a visually stunning "Rainbow Island" with a spectrum of colorful landscapes.
