Photographer: Mr. Moose

Summary Author: Mr. Moose

The Timna Valley in Israel, north of Eilat, is believed to be the source of King Solomon's mines . Copper ore found in the sandstone outcropping here is striking. The greenish copper color was so bright that there was no mistaking it, even from hundreds of meters away. Ancients who lived in the valley would likely have been attracted to this area by the unique color of the rocks. In fact, copper has been mined here for approximately 1500 years. Note the copper encrusted hoodoo in the bottom photo. Neither photo has been retouched.