Artists Palette

01 Dec 2007

One of the scenic drives in Death Valley takes you past the "Artists Palette", so called because of the density of colours found in the rock from the one view-point. The sign reads:
"Various mineral pigments have colored these volcanic deposits. Iron salts produce the reds, pinks and yellows. Decomposing mica causes the green. Manganese supplies the purple. Colors on the 'palette' are reproduced in a larger scale on the mountains around Death Valley."

I'll be honest and say that when I saw this I wasn't as amazed as I hoped I'd be, both the first time and (years later) the second time round. But I suspect it's one of those places where the time of day, and more importantly the available light, makes a significant difference to the colours you see. Yet another reason why I desperately want to go back to Death Valley and take a few days to really explore the place and visit the various spots at first/last light.

Once again the small panorama just doesn't do justice to the landscape or the desert beauty, so for what it's worth the big version (1600 X 495px, 750kb) is here.

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Now endorsed by my mum: "I love it!" she said.