Desert varnish or rock varnish is an orange-yellow to black coating found on exposed rock surfaces in arid environments. Desert varnish is approximately one micrometer thick and exhibits nanometer -scale layering. [ 1 ]

2024年3月21日 · This article differentiates between rock varnish in a strict sense (stricto sensu) and the popular use of the term desert varnish for all dark rock surface coatings in arid environments regardless of specific type.

desert varnish, thin, dark red to black mineral coating (generally iron and manganese oxides and silica) deposited on pebbles and rocks on the surface of desert regions.

2006年7月7日 · Now researchers believe they have isolated the origin of desert varnish, a glassy coating on rocks and canyon walls. What's more, the findings suggest that the material could be an invaluable repository of past life on Earth--and perhaps even on Mars.

2018年2月16日 · Desert varnish may seem simple on the surface, but this natural phenomenon is a wonder worth a second look. So how does patina form and what can it tell us about the desert geology? discover this natural wonder on a backpacking trip.

2015年2月22日 · Desert varnish is the reddish-brown to black coating on pebbles, boulders, and cliff faces one sees in arid regions. Some of these surfaces have become the canvas for petroglyphs, rock drawings made by scraping off the desert varnish.

Desert varnish is a thin coating (patina) of manganese, iron and clays on the surface of sun-baked boulders. Its origin has intrigued naturalists since the time of Charles Darwin.

2012年11月22日 · Desert varnish is a dark coating on rocks found in arid regions. The coating is composed dominantly of fine-grained clay minerals. Within the clays are black manganese oxide and red iron oxide.

2022年9月2日 · Desert varnish or rock varnish is an orange-yellow to black coating found on exposed rock surfaces in arid environments. Desert varnish is approximately one micrometer thick and exhibits nanometer-scale layering.

2012年4月9日 · In the desert areas around the world, the rocks found there are often totally covered with or display patterns of deep reddish brown or black streaks known as desert varnish. Desert varnish...