This Lake Can Turn You Into Stone (Real Phenomenon) Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is one of the most extreme and unusual natural environments in the world. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary salt lake, but in reality, it is far from normal. Its surface often appears red or orange, and the surrounding landscape feels dry, harsh, and almost lifeless. This lake has gained worldwide attention because of its eerie reputation of “turning animals into stone.” Why Lake Natron Is So Extreme The reason Lake Natron is so unusual lies in its chemistry. The lake is highly alkaline, with a pH level that can rise as high as 12. This makes the water extremely caustic, similar to strong cleaning chemicals. The alkalinity comes from volcanic ash and minerals, especially sodium carbonate, that flow into the lake from nearby volcanic hills. In addition to its chemical composition, the lake can become extremely hot, sometimes reaching temperatures above 60°C (140°F). This combination of hea...