Seven Coloured Earths

The Seven Coloured Earth (French Terres des Sept Couleurs, . Engl Seven Coloured Earths ) is a natural phenomenon near the village of Chamarel in southwest Mauritius.

Formation

The hilly landscape is like the whole island of volcanic origin .. The colors come about through the transformation of basalt into clay minerals. All water- soluble under tropical weathering conditions components such as silicas are washed away, there remain only the red / black iron oxide Fe2O3 and aluminum left, the colors of blue, purple, or blue to produce blue-green. In different compositions it comes to the different colors.

Tourism

For the visit of entry is required. Entering the rock surface is prohibited. Many tourists are told that the hills are composed of sand, which do not mix miraculously even in the rain. However, this is incorrect because it is lava rock. A "sample" of sand is sold in the gift shops on the island and in the ticket booth at the entrance to the property. In the immediate vicinity is the waterfall Cascade Chamarel.