Question: Ayers Rock—a flat surfaced sandstone rock, in Central Australia, is 335 metres (1,100 feet) high, 3.6 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide (see, photo). This rock is considered as a natural wonder in many ways. For instance, just like an iceberg, a very small portion of this rock is seen above the ground. According to geologists, minimum 2,000 metres of the portion of the rock is underground. Named after the former prime minister of Australia Sir Henry Ayers, what is the peculiarity of this rock?
Ayers Rock
Answer: Ayers Rock changes its colour throughout the day. Unlike the sandstone, its structure comprises 0.06 to 2 millimetre particles of nearly 25% crystal and feldspar each along with fine shreds of quartz. During the day time, based on the angle of the sunrays; of the seven colours, certain colours are reflected by these elements which give the rock the illusion of a particular colour. The reflection of the colours too keeps changing according to the changing angles of the sunrays. Therefore, in the morning, noon and evening; the rock keeps portraying different shades and hues of yellow, brown, purple, orange and red. It is traditionally known as Uluru by the aboriginals.