The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa known for its warm, mineral-rich waters and is a popular tourist attraction.
In 2012, the lagoon earned the name Wonder of the World by National Geographic, and a magazine called it ‘a geothermal gift.’
The honor was for its extraordinary beauty and the profound powers of the lagoon’s iconic water.
Unlike any other natural resource, it is a huge microalgae, silica, and mineral source.
Moreover, it’s a bioactive marvel with many benefits for the mind, body, and skin.
Here are some details about the water at the Blue Lagoon, including its temperature, benefits, origin, and effects:
Origin of the Blue Lagoon Water
The condensed discharge from the adjacent geothermal power plant unintentionally created the Blue Lagoon.
How’s it made?
Originally deep under the ground, hot volcanic rock heats water like a giant oven.
Freshwater and salty seawater meet in this hot zone, mixing like soup in a pot.
This special mix is called geothermal seawater, the secret sauce of the Blue Lagoon. But it’s not ready for swimming just yet.
The temperature needs to bring the water up from its cozy underground home with special wells, reaching down 2,000 meters.
Also, the water is a blend of geothermal seawater, which is 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater and is naturally renewed every 40 hours.
The water’s iconic color is a result of the way that silica reflects sunlight.
The History & Science Behind
In the early 1980s, residents of Reykjavik found a blue lagoon formed in the lava field beside the Svartsengi Geothermal Resource Park.
At that time, they learned about the beneficial powers of geothermal seawater.
Some of them came for pleasure, and some got to know about its healing properties.
Every single person who attended felt incredibly rejuvenated afterward.
Then, the lagoon’s special healing powers gained widespread attention, leading to intense scientific research on its water.
After the confirmation of its remarkable powers, a clinic for the treatment of chronic skin diseases was opened in 1995.
Following this, Blue Lagoon skincare was introduced.
Quality of the Water
Blue Lagoon constantly monitors the water’s chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.
The staff collects the samples biweekly and sends them to a legally recognized independent laboratory for testing.
Positive testing results allow Blue Lagoon to keep its Blue Flag status.
It is a distinguished designation from the Foundation for Environmental Education that attests to a body of water’s faithfulness.
Geothermal to Bioactive
Blue Lagoon Iceland salt water from deep underground gets pumped into the Blue Lagoon. This changes it from regular water to “living water.”
Something cool happens there! The water mixes with the volcanic area’s cold air and the strong forces of the volcanic area.
This creates a unique ecosystem of tiny blue-green algae, special rocks, and other minerals.
The dynamic chemistry of these components transforms geothermal saltwater into a bioactive marvel.
An Unrivaled Resource
Blue Lagoon water has incredible restorative properties.
The dynamic waters have given health, healing, happiness, and well-being to people from all over the world for the past thirty years.
Decades of research have resulted in patents for Blue Lagoon microalgae and silica, and the water has also fueled the development of Blue Lagoon skincare.
The water’s bioactive riches separate its skincare from all others, having been harvested in the Blue Lagoon R&D center using sustainable methods.
Blue Lagoon Skin Care now includes three unique product lines: Spa for at-home skin-nourishing delights of the Blue Lagoon.
In addition to bringing lasting memories to visitors, Blue Lagoon water also provides consumers with youthful radiance.
Blue Lagoon Iceland Water Temperature
The water at the Blue Lagoon is geothermally heated, originating deep underground, where freshwater and seawater converge in the searing heat and immense pressure of volcanic aquifers.
The water’s temperature is warm and luxurious at 38°C (100.4°F) by the time it reaches the lagoon, making it ideal for bathing and relaxation.
Blue Lagoon Water Elements
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is known for its unique elements, contributing to its distinctive properties and visitor experience.
Some of the different elements in the Blue Lagoon include:
Silica
Silica is a component of lava that combines with geothermal waters in volcanic aquifers deep underground.
When superheated water cools to the surface, silica molecules are released, resulting in the characteristic white mud, one of Blue Lagoon’s trademarks.
Silica is the lagoon’s most abundant element, a mineral compound consisting of silicon and oxygen.
When suspended in water, silica reflects only the blue wavelengths of visible light, giving the lagoon its iconic blue color.
Algae
The Blue Lagoon is enriched with a unique species of blue-green algae known for its renewing, nourishing, and moisturizing properties. The algae help to open the door to an enduring, youthful glow.
Blue Lagoon algae is a microorganism that is specific to geothermal saltwater.
An examination of the lagoon environment in 1996 revealed that this powerful organism is a completely new species of blue-green algae.
Blue Lagoon algae, patented in 2006, is grown and harvested at their research facility using environmentally friendly methods.
Minerals
The lagoon contains a potent array of minerals, which have energizing effects on the mind and body.
These minerals contribute to the lagoon’s restorative and rejuvenating properties.
Mineral salt and other minerals in tiny levels complete the water’s unique makeup. Also, add to its astounding efficacy as a source of healing and regeneration.
Geothermal Seawater
The Blue Lagoon contains geothermal seawater, which is naturally renewed every 40 hours.
The water is rich in salt, silica, and other minerals, known for its healing and nourishing benefits.
These elements, combined with the lagoon’s self-cleaning ecosystem and warm, milky waters, create a unique and rejuvenating experience for visitors.
Benefits of Blue Lagoon Iceland Water
The water is rich in minerals, silica, and a unique species of blue-green microalgae.
It has been used to treat chronic skin conditions due to its restorative and revitalizing properties.
The silica and algae in the water benefit the skin, and the water has profound revitalizing properties.
Its Effect:
The water’s unique combination of minerals, silica, and blue-green microalgae is said to have a transformative effect, bringing health, healing, happiness, and well-being to visitors from worldwide.
The water has also led to the development of Blue Lagoon Skincare, which utilizes the bioactive treasures in the water.
FAQs
What’s in the blue lagoon water?
The Blue Lagoon, despite its natural beauty, is partially man-made. It all started in 1976, when a pool of water emerged near a geothermal power plant.
It is not a natural hot spring. The water contained within is effluent from a power plant!
Is the Blue Lagoon water good for you?
The water is famous all around the world for working like magic on your skin.
People travel from all over the world to soak in the water, which is known to aid in treating psoriasis, acne, dandruff, aging skin, and eczema.
To summarize, the water is beneficial to both you and your hair. However, in some cases, it can make your hair weird, making it stiff and dry.
Why is Blue Lagoon water so blue?
The Blue Lagoon appears blue because of how silica—the lagoon’s distinctive and most plentiful element—reflects visible light.
Red paint, for example, is red because it is designed to reflect primarily visible red wavelengths.
The paint absorbs all other wavelengths (or colors). Understanding the nature of visible light helps grasp this notion.
What does the Blue Lagoon water do to your hair?
The water at the Blue Lagoon is heavy in silica. Silica is not detrimental to hair.
However, if your hair is wet from swimming, it might become stiff and difficult to maintain.
We strongly advise conditioning your hair and leaving it in for a few extra minutes while you bathe.
Featured Image: Chantelle Flores from Kzara Visual
