Viral claim of a 'large pile of blood' in New Mexico desert traced to red volcanic rock, not a biblical omen

A viral social-media post claimed a 'large pile of blood' appeared in a desert near Santa Fe, New Mexico, igniting online fears of a biblical omen. The claim centers on Google Earth coordinates 35°39′11″ N, 106°08′49″ W, pointing to a remote area northwest of the city. In posts shared widely on X, the caption read, 'Growing increasingly concerned about the large pile of blood in the desert,' helping drive the spread of the claim before experts weighed in.

Geologists say the feature is a cinder cone—an ancient volcanic vent surrounded by red, oxidized rock known as scoria. The cone formed during an earlier phase of volcanic activity in the region and predates the formation of the nearby Valles Caldera. The material's deep red color comes from iron-rich volcanic rock that has oxidized over time, with the arid climate helping to preserve the color and limit erosion.

Because the red material is often mined for road construction, landscaping and water-treatment uses, the scene's vivid color can appear dramatic and mislead observers into seeing a liquid pool. In reality, any dark red hue is the result of mineral pigmentation and surface exposure, not a moving body of liquid. The surrounding area may show drainage or runoff that is natural and unrelated to any biological or chemical event.

The online post that sparked the discussion has reportedly drawn millions of views, illustrating how quickly a striking image can propagate. The coordinates anchor the claim to a real, sparsely populated stretch of northern New Mexico, but geologists stress that the feature is a geological formation—old, stable, and non-hazardous.

In a related but separate example of red-water imagery, researchers note that natural phenomena can mimic more dramatic narratives. In August, the Sea of Galilee turned a vivid red, prompting local observers to fear an ominous omen. Israel’s environmental ministry later explained that a bloom of the green alga Botryococcus braunii caused the discoloration, which develops pigment under intense sunlight and is considered harmless. Tests by the Kinneret Research Laboratory found the algae in affected areas to be harmless, with no health risks reported among those exposed. The pigment-driven color change, not a toxic event, was the result of natural biological processes rather than a biblical sign.

The New Mexico case sits within a broader context of how natural geological and biological processes can produce visually striking effects that are easy to misinterpret in the age of rapid social sharing. Experts emphasize cautious interpretation: the red hue is due to oxidation and mineral content, not a sign of danger or prophecy. The site’s geology indicates a long history of volcanic activity in the region, with features that predate the Valles Caldera and remain stable today.

For readers seeking clarity, scientists advise verifying unusual color changes or surface features with credible, on-the-record sources and avoiding reliance on unverified posts or memes. The New Mexico formation is a known red scoria outcrop associated with past volcanic activity, and its appearance, while striking, is a natural and well-understood phenomenon rather than a predictor of apocalyptic events.