The chemical composition of water entering the Laguna Colorada via its main tributary, the
Sulor River, varies broadly depending on climatic conditions and the presence of microorganisms. The lagoon's water is rich in salts, particularly
sodium chloride, exhibiting high conductivity and maintaining a
pH range of 5.3 to 9.0. It contains high levels of
borates,
sulfates and
diatomite. The distinctive coloration of its red water is primarily caused by a combination of these sediments and the proliferation of pigmented
algae adapted to saline environments, mainly the
Dunaliella salina species. The lagoon also contains islands formed by the accumulation of
borax, whose white color contrasts with the reddish color of its waters. ==Geography==