Because it is underwater, this pink natural beauty is now hidden from view. The terraces were supposed to be entirely obliterated in an 1886 earthquake off New Zealand. The pink and white terraces were a natural marvel that New Zealanders appreciated. Some have referred to them as the world's eighth wonder. They were completely unique—the two biggest formations of fine quartz on the planet. One terrace outcrop was white, whereas the other, because of an unknown chemical impurity, became pink.
Fast-forward 150 years to an expedition to explore and examine Lake Rotomahana's floor.Scientists using sonar to study the lake floor spotted a protrusion they thought may be the missing pink terrace. They deployed an underwater camera crew to confirm, and they discovered that little parts of both the white and pink terraces still existed.
The 1886 earthquake reduced the terraces to fewer than 10% of their original size. However, New Zealanders may be optimistic that these natural beauties will not be totally destroyed.
