Silica colour palette

 

This image showcases a wonderful colour palette, primarily containing silica sinter, a feature formed by the precipitation of dissolved silica from hot spring water. The green patches are possibly thermophilic microorganisms like cyanobacteria and algae. They contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments and thrive in the moderate temperature zones (typically 50-75°C). The yellow areas are likely a combination of sulphur compounds and/or iron oxides that form when iron-rich water is exposed to oxygen. The beige areas are clay minerals and other sediments.