Orange-red mineral-rich fluid

 

This very distinctive orange-red mineral-rich fluid has created a small pool or seep from a hot spring. The vibrant orange-red coloration is consistent with iron oxide minerals precipitating from acidic, iron-rich waters. The vibrant red coloration could be hematite or schwertmannite, an iron oxyhydroxysulphate mineral that forms in acidic, iron-rich environments. The formation of schwertmannite contributes to the acidity of the water, often resulting in pH levels below 3. The dark spots could be areas of different mineral composition or microbial communities. In such environments, extremophile bacteria often thrive and can contribute to iron oxidation.