The coloured earths of Charamel
By tony leather, 27th Jun 2012 | Follow this author
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Coloured earths of Chamarel were promoted as Mauritius' first tourist attraction back in the 1960's. Even today souvenir test-tubes containing the multi-coloured earth can be bought from beach vendors and tourist boutiques
The coloured earths of Charamel
The coloured earths of Chamarel were promoted as Mauritius' first tourist attraction back in the 1960's. Even today souvenir test-tubes containing the multi-coloured earth can be bought from beach vendors and tourist boutiques. Specimens of the earth can also be bought from the yellow-roofed administration building at the entrance of the site.
The land belong to Bel Ombre Sugar Estate and a small entrance charge is made to visit the earths. An example of the horizontal mill, like a giants washing mangle, lies in front of the administration building. It was introduced by Charles Telfair, one of Bel Ombre's first owners.
Earths Two
Sunrise is the best time to see the Coloured Earths. Geologists are still intrigued by the rolling dunes of multi-coloured lunar-like landscape. The colours, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow never erode in spite of torrential downpours and adverse climatic conditions. The phenomena has never been explained but it is believed the earths are composed of mineral rich volcanic ash.
Coloured Earths are still one of the most popular destinations on the island. This unusual geological wonder was formed when volcanic rock cooled at different temperatures, in multicolored layers. Rains have shaped the rock into small hills that look like dunes of sand and, the first time you look at them, it will seem like the colors are actually just shadows. But after taking a closer look you’ll realize the seven colors are very real.
But this unusual coloring of the hills at Chamarel isn’t their only bizarre trait. Geologists have been fascinated with the Colored Earths ever since they were first discovered, but haven’t yet been able to explain why they never erode in spite of being exposed to harsh elements and torrential rains.
The Colored Earths of Chamarel also have the unique property of settling into layers. If you take a handful of each of the seven-colored sands and mix them together, they will eventually separate into seven different colored layers.
Earths Three
Sunrise is the best time to see the Coloured Earths. Geologists are still intrigued by the rolling dunes of multi-coloured lunar-like landscape. The colours, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow never erode in spite of torrential downpours and adverse climatic conditions. The phenomena has never been explained but it is believed the earths are composed of mineral rich volcanic ash.
Coloured Earths are still one of the most popular destinations on the island. This unusual geological wonder was formed when volcanic rock cooled at different temperatures, in multicolored layers. Rains have shaped the rock into small hills that look like dunes of sand and, the first time you look at them, it will seem like the colors are actually just shadows. But after taking a closer look you’ll realize the seven colors are very real.
But this unusual coloring of the hills at Chamarel isn’t their only bizarre trait. Geologists have been fascinated with the Colored Earths ever since they were first discovered, but haven’t yet been able to explain why they never erode in spite of being exposed to harsh elements and torrential rains.
The Colored Earths of Chamarel also have the unique property of settling into layers. If you take a handful of each of the seven-colored sands and mix them together, they will eventually separate into seven different colored layers.
Comments
28th Jun 2012 (#)
Very good article and they pictures are great
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