This Island Is Made Entirely of Gemstones

Hey there! Let's dive into the fascinating world of some incredible islands and their intriguing stories.

Picture this: a tiny island nestled in the midst of the stunningly clear Red Sea, surrounded by a bustling underwater world. Welcome to Zabargad, also known as St. John's Island. Now, don't expect to find towering trees here; instead, this island is mostly composed of paradite, a gemstone rich in peridot.

If you're wondering what paradite is, think of it as nature's own evening emerald, thanks to its sparkling green hue. Legend has it that even Cleopatra herself was a fan of peridot, which isn't surprising considering its allure.

Geologists believe that peridot forms when the Earth's crust decides to do a bit of rearranging, pushing up rocks from the depths below. That's precisely how our treasure island, Zabargad, came to be.

Now, peridot isn't just your run-of-the-mill gemstone; its origins are quite diverse. While most peridot comes from the Earth's mantle through volcanic activity, some even originate from meteorites, although that's pretty rare. You'll find peridot deposits scattered across the globe, from Vietnam to Arizona, and even in Norway.

But Zabargad holds a special place in the gemstone world as the oldest and longest-known source of peridot.

Centuries ago, people were drawn to Zabargad for its precious gemstones. Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder mentioned pirates discovering Zabargad's treasures way back in 500 BCE! Fast forward to the 19th century, and British explorers stumbled upon this beautiful green island in the Red Sea, realizing it matched the description from Pliny's writings.

In the 20th century, Turkey took a shot at mining peridot on Zabargad. They managed to collect over $2 million worth of gemstones in just four years! However, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows; the working conditions on the island were far from ideal. Imagine having no drinking water and having to rely on a gas-powered water condenser!

Today, Zabargad is part of the Elba National Park system. While most visitors come to marvel at the underwater wonders of the reefs, you can still catch a glimpse of sparkling peridot above the water's surface.

And if you're planning a trip to Christmas Island in Australia, make sure it's not during October or November, or you might find yourself surrounded by millions of red crabs migrating to the shore!

Now, let's shift our focus to Japan, where a brand-new island emerged in November 2023. This unnamed island, formed by volcanic eruptions, is just over 300 feet in diameter. However, its future is uncertain, as similar islands have disappeared once volcanic activity ceased.

Speaking of unique islands, have you heard about the floating islands of Lake Titicaca in Peru? These islands, made from totora reeds, have been home to the Uros people for over 500 years! These ingenious islands not only provide shelter but also offer a sustainable way of life.

And guess what? You can even book a stay online and experience floating island life firsthand!

But not all islands have a tangible presence. Have you ever heard of High Brazil, the phantom island off the coast of Ireland? Despite being mapped in 1325, attempts to locate it have been unsuccessful. Legend has it that the island appears only once every seven years, leaving sailors baffled by its elusive nature.

And there you have it, a whirlwind tour of some of the world's most intriguing islands and their captivating stories. From sparkling peridot to migrating red crabs and phantom islands, the world never ceases to amaze us with its wonders!

So, if you enjoyed this journey, don't forget to share it with your friends and keep exploring the bright side of life!

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