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Rock Coloration:
One feature of the Colorado Plateau that makes it so beautiful is the many and varied colors of the rock layers. Each sedimentary layer seems to have its own distinctive color phase.
This coloration is due to the various minerals found in the rocks. These minerals react to weathering by coloring the rocks. The permanent reds and yellows in the landscape are formed when iron in the rocks is exposed to the atmosphere. The black sheen seen on many rocks, especially on cliff faces, is formed by manganese. (This black sheen is called "desert varnish.") Purposes and greens are caused by clay minerals in the Morrison and Chinle formations. It is thanks to these minerals that the Colorado Plateau is so colorful. |