Seven Coloured Earths, Geological formation in Chamarel, Mauritius.
Seven Coloured Earths is a natural geological formation near Chamarel displaying sand layers in distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. These hues appear across the flat landscape in separate bands, creating a striking pattern that shifts depending on the viewing angle and time of day.
The formation originated millions of years ago from volcanic activity, when layers of lava and ash accumulated in the region over time. Different mineral compositions in these layers created the various colors visible today.
Local shops in the area sell test tubes filled with the multicolored sand as traditional souvenirs for visitors. This type of gift has become popular because people enjoy taking home a tangible piece of what makes the place distinctive.
Wooden fences protect the delicate sand dunes while observation platforms provide safe vantage points to view and photograph the natural patterns. Access is straightforward and most areas can be visited on foot with regular footwear.
The colored sands naturally separate into distinct layers when mixed together, a property caused by the different density of mineral particles. This phenomenon surprises many visitors and allows them to observe firsthand how the materials are composed.
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