Fontaine pétrifiante de Réotier, Natural spring in Réotier, France.
The Fontaine pétrifiante de Réotier is a natural spring in the French Alps that releases water rich in minerals from underground. As the water flows downhill, it deposits white limestone coatings on rocks, plants, and other surfaces it touches.
The spring has been known to local people for centuries and featured in regional stories and legends. In the late 20th century, a portion of its limestone formation collapsed, drawing attention to the delicate nature of the system.
The name reflects how the spring's mineral deposits visibly transform objects and surfaces as water flows over them. Visitors can watch this process firsthand and see why the site holds meaning for the local community.
The site is accessible via a marked hiking trail that features information panels along the way. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground can be slippery from mineral deposits.
The water carries an unusually high concentration of dissolved minerals that quickly coat objects and cover them in white crust. Some visitors intentionally place objects in the stream to watch how they develop a stone-like layer over time.
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