What comes to mind when thinking about an iceberg is usually a large chunk of white ice floating in the sea.  Icebergs are typically chunks of ice that separated from a glacier or ice shelf.  The most common icebergs are white because it has been covered with snow.

Black and white iceberg on the South Georgia Island. /VCG PH๏τo

However, many people are surprised to find that icebergs can form in many different colors other than white. According to basic physic, an iceberg that is formed by ice without contaminants should be blue. Because blue light is harder to be absorbed by the “pure ice” than the yellow or red lights. Therefore blue is the “true color” of a “pure” iceberg.

Vibrant blue iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Blue iceberg is formed by “pure ice”. /VCG PH๏τo

Vibrant blue iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Blue iceberg is formed by “pure ice”. /VCG PH๏τo

When icebergs are formed with frozen seawater, which contains rich algae and minerals, they will display different colors. ᴅᴇᴀᴅ organic matter from sea life and iron-rich minerals both give the icebergs shades of green and yellow. Large amounts of ᴅᴇᴀᴅ organic matter reflect yellow light, but a small amount will make an iceberg shimmer like jade.

A green iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Green iceberg shimmers like jade. /VCG PH๏τo

A green iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Green iceberg shimmers like jade. /VCG PH๏τo

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Breaks in the ice allow fresh saltwater to come in and then it freezes. The occasion causes the ice to turn another color.

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Black stripes are caused by sediments on the ice. /VCG PH๏τo

The stripes are caused by cracks on the iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Beautifully striped icebergs. /VCG PH๏τo

A small striped iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Blue stripes on white iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo

Black stripes are caused by sediments on the ice. /VCG PH๏τo

The stripes are caused by cracks on the iceberg. /VCG PH๏τo