Rainfall on Iran’s Hormuz Island turned the coastline into a surreal sight this week, as iron-rich red soil flowed into the sea and tinted the Persian Gulf deep shades of crimson. The images quickly went viral, with some online even comparing the scene to apocalyptic or biblical imagery. The explanation, however, is purely natural. Hormuz Island’s famous Red Beach gets its intense color from high levels of iron oxide in the sand and cliffs. When rain falls, streams of red soil wash into the shoreline, dramatically coloring the water and creating a striking contrast with the surrounding blue sea. The phenomenon regularly draws tourists, photographers, and social media attention. Beyond the visuals, the red soil, known locally as gelak, is also used in small quantities for pigments, cosmetics, and traditional products. #news #wide #world