Hormuz Island, off Iran's coast in the Persian Gulf, is a geological marvel often called the 'rainbow island' due to its vivid colours from over 70 minerals. Despite its beauty, it remains largely unknown to travellers, with only 18,000 visitors in 2019.
The island's ochre streams, crimson beaches, and salt caves result from salt domes formed over millions of years. Dr Kathryn Goodenough of the British Geological Survey explains that shallow seas created salt layers that later rose through volcanic sediment, creating the colourful landscape.
One unique feature is the edible red soil, gelack, used as a spice in local dishes like soorakh sauce. This haematite-rich soil also serves in art, dyeing, and cosmetics. Other attractions include the Goddess of Salt mountain, Rainbow Valley, and the Valley of the Statues, where wind erosion has shaped rocks into fantastical forms.
Locals believe the salt at the Goddess of Salt has healing properties, calling it the Energy Valley. Despite its surreal beauty, Hormuz remains off the beaten path, a hidden gem in a region of geopolitical tensions.
