The serene beaches of Hormuz Island in Iran recently transformed into a dramatic, scarlet landscape when heavy rainfall triggered the rare “Blood Rain” phenomenon. As rainwater cascaded down the mineral-rich shores, it created vibrant red streams flowing into the Persian Gulf, captivating viewers worldwide. The spectacle, caused by the island’s unique geological composition, has drawn renewed attention to this largely untouched natural wonder nicknamed the “rainbow island” for its kaleidoscope of colors that shift throughout the landscape.
Nature’s Red Palette: The Science Behind Blood Rain
The stunning crimson streams witnessed on Hormuz Island are not blood but the result of the island’s volcanic soil containing exceptionally high levels of iron oxide. When rainwater mixes with this mineral-rich soil, it creates a vivid red liquid that flows across the beaches and into the sea. Unlike other seasonal color phenomena, this natural display happens year-round whenever sufficient rainfall hits the island’s distinctive terrain. The effect is theatrical along the island’s Silver and Red Beach areas, where the concentration of minerals creates the most intense coloration.
Heavy rains have caused red floods on Hormuz Island in #Iran! 🩸
☝️ This phenomenon is due to the high iron oxide content in the soil, giving the beaches and waves their striking red color.
Locals call this soil "gelak", using it in art and cuisine, while the unique landscape… pic.twitter.com/jwlabyZSRk
— OrbitalToday.com (@SpaceBiz1) March 11, 2025
Located in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, this small Iranian island remains undisturbed and mainly and sparsely inhabited, allowing its natural wonders to flourish without significant human intervention. The island spans 42 square kilometers but contains an astonishing variety of geological features. Scientists have identified approximately 70 different colorful minerals across the island, contributing to its reputation as a natural rainbow landscape where visitors can observe soil colors changing dramatically as they traverse the terrain.
A Treasure Trove of Minerals With Practical Uses
Beyond its visual appeal, the island’s unique soil composition also serves practical purposes. The red soil, locally known as “gelack,” is valuable for industrial purposes and has been harvested for centuries. In a fascinating cultural adaptation, islanders have incorporated this mineral-rich soil into their cuisine, creating dishes that showcase the unique terroir of their homeland. This practice represents an ingenious use of local resources in an environment where traditional agriculture faces significant challenges.
A circulating video showed heavy rainfall on the Hormuz Silver and Red beaches in Iran, which caused the water to turn red.
According to the Iranian Tourism Organization, the soil contains a high percentage of iron oxide, which led to the appearance of this red color. pic.twitter.com/cKa6unZuSk— Beirut Wire (@beirutwire) March 11, 2025
“The soil color around you keeps changing as you walk or ride, and you can visit a unique red edible soil and other 70 colorful minerals in Hormuz Island.”
Videos of the blood rain phenomenon have gone viral recently, drawing international attention to this natural wonder. Social media users have expressed awe at the striking imagery, with many commenting on the otherworldly beauty of the scarlet streams flowing across the beach. Tourism officials note that while the island previously attracted primarily domestic visitors, international interest has grown substantially following these viral moments, positioning Hormuz as an emerging destination for geological tourism.
Similar Natural Color Phenomena Around the World
While Hormuz Island’s blood rain is distinctive, nature creates similarly dramatic color displays in other locations worldwide. In Torrevieja, Spain, a naturally pink lake draws visitors with its rosy waters, though the coloration stems from a different cause—bacteria and algae rather than minerals. The Spanish lake’s extreme salinity, comparable to the Dead Sea, creates enough buoyancy for people to float effortlessly. However, swimming is prohibited to protect the rare organisms that create its distinctive hue.
In the United Kingdom, beachgoers occasionally witness another striking natural display when bioluminescent plankton create glowing blue shores, as recently documented at Sheerness Beach in Kent. These phenomena remind us that nature produces spectacular color displays through various mechanisms, from mineral reactions to biological processes. The blood rain of Hormuz Island stands out among these natural wonders for its dramatic appearance and the striking contrast it creates against the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf.
A Geological Wonder Worth Preserving
As interest in Hormuz Island grows, conservation experts emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism practices to preserve this geological treasure. The island’s delicate ecosystem and limited infrastructure require careful management to ensure this natural wonder remains intact for future generations. For travelers seeking destinations that offer authentic natural experiences away from overtourism, Hormuz Island represents an opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular color displays in an environment that remains largely as nature intended.
“Walking along the shore, you will encounter parts where sand glitters with metal compounds, especially mesmerising at sunset or sunrise.”
Sources:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14489661/blood-rain-phenomenon-landscape-red.html
