The Dolomites a UNESCO World Heritage site - Cortina

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cortina, are known for their striking colors and rich legends. The mountains exhibit a great variety of colors, with the most notable contrast being between the bare pale-colored rock surfaces and the forests and meadows below. This unique coloration is due to the pale grey color of the rocks, which is different from those of all other mountains.

UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009 On 26th of June 2009, the Dolomites were put on the UNESCO list of the world's protected natural paradises and since then, officially rank among the most beautiful mountains in the world.

During sunrise and sunset, the Dolomite rocks are covered in red color tones, giving them a pinkish hue. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of minerals like dolomite and magnesium in the rocks, which cause the unique coloration when the sun's rays reflect on their surfaces.

The region is also home to the Ladin people, whose culture is steeped in deep-rooted history and tradition. One of the most famous legends of the Dolomites is the story of the "Monti Pallidi" (Pale Mountains). According to legend, the mountains were once giants who fought against each other. The gods, witnessing the destruction, turned the giants into the pale mountains we see today.

Another popular legend is that of King Laurin, who ruled over a beautiful rose garden hidden within the mountains. When a rival king's daughter discovered the garden, King Laurin became enraged and kidnapped her. The rival king then declared war on King Laurin, and the gods intervened once again, turning the king and his garden into the pink-hued Dolomites we see today.

In summary, the Dolomites are renowned for their unique colors, which are a result of the pale grey color of their rocks and the reflection of the sun's rays.

Some more rare varieties can even be found in a tan color with sleek veins of pink or blue. Generally speaking, though, white and gray dolomite tend to be the most common, and popularly used for kitchen countertop use. This is because white is naturally the most abundant color that dolomite is found in.

The correct name of this phenomenon is "enrosadira" (rosa is the Italian word for "pink"). The Dolomites are made of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate rocks. Both these components assume that typical glow ranging from yellow to pink and mauve when the sun rises or falls, and the sun rays reflect on the surface.

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