Water Turns Blood Red Overnight at Iran's Strait of Hormuz: Know the Mystery
Kazi Nasir | Dec 18, 2025, 16:24 IST
Water Turn Blood Red in Iran's Hormuz
Image credit : AI - Sora
The Strait of Hormuz recently drew global attention after heavy rainfall turned its coastal waters blood red overnight. Viral videos of the phenomenon sparked widespread curiosity, with many questioning whether it was a natural event or something more alarming. Scientists explain that the striking colour is caused by iron-rich soil and hematite deposits washing into the sea during rainfall.
The Strait of Hormuz is once again a flashpoint in the news. This time, it is not for geopolitical conflict but for its iron-rich red soil that turned its coastline blood red due to heavy rain last night. The incident flooded social media with its viral clips, sparking scientific curiosity and drawing attrention of photographers and geologists.
Located in the Persian Gulf, one of the world's most strategically important waterways, the only sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Around 20 to 30% of the world's crude oil passes through this strait, making it the most important chokepoint for energy supplies. Which is why the military presence of the U.S., Iran and other Gulf states remains here all the time.
Scientific mystery of the recent incident
The recent phenomenon that caused astonishment across the world is due to the high concentration of iron oxide, especially hematite, that is embedded in the island's rocks. So as the rain dissolves and mobilises these minerals, the particles of soil stain the sand and shallow seawater turning it blood red with its crimson and rust.
Hematite has iron oxide (FeO) which is reddish and if you look at the colour of Mars its the same due to the presence of iron oxide. Which is why Hormuz is sometimes dubbed "the rainbow island of the Persian Gulf." When the particles of hematite-rich soils are exposed to moisture, its oxidise more rapidly react with the moisture, intensifying their colour.
When rainfall occurs, through erosion these fine mineral particles are carried down to the coast, transforming the beaches into a vast red palette.
Hormuz Island is formed from ancient salt domes and volcanic rocks, making it rich in natural minerals like ochre, gypsum and iron ore. For generations, local communities have mined its iron oxide to make traditional pigments, giving the island both cultural value and a source of livelihood.
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Q1. What has happened in the Strait of Hormuz?
Ans: Recently due to heavy rainfall water turned red in its coastal region.
Q2. Why is Hormuz Island red?
Ans: Due to the presence of iron oxide
Q3. Is the Red Beach in Iran real?
Ans: Yes, it turns bright red after rainfall
Strait of Hormuz Importance
Located in the Persian Gulf, one of the world's most strategically important waterways, the only sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Around 20 to 30% of the world's crude oil passes through this strait, making it the most important chokepoint for energy supplies. Which is why the military presence of the U.S., Iran and other Gulf states remains here all the time.
Scientific mystery of the recent incident
Hematite has iron oxide (FeO) which is reddish and if you look at the colour of Mars its the same due to the presence of iron oxide. Which is why Hormuz is sometimes dubbed "the rainbow island of the Persian Gulf." When the particles of hematite-rich soils are exposed to moisture, its oxidise more rapidly react with the moisture, intensifying their colour.
When rainfall occurs, through erosion these fine mineral particles are carried down to the coast, transforming the beaches into a vast red palette.
Hormuz Island is formed from ancient salt domes and volcanic rocks, making it rich in natural minerals like ochre, gypsum and iron ore. For generations, local communities have mined its iron oxide to make traditional pigments, giving the island both cultural value and a source of livelihood.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
FAQs
Ans: Recently due to heavy rainfall water turned red in its coastal region.
Q2. Why is Hormuz Island red?
Ans: Due to the presence of iron oxide
Q3. Is the Red Beach in Iran real?
Ans: Yes, it turns bright red after rainfall