The power of colour in geoheritage studies and marketing: some tentative reflections

Abstract Colour is a common physical property in exposures of unique geological objects, but only marginally addressed geoheritage literature. We here present our point view on how this feature can be treated studies, with the general aim at setting up broad discussion. Three functions colour are outlined, namely interpretation (e.g., compositional and genetic peculiarities sedimentary rocks), higher visibility due to contrast aesthetic attractiveness geotourists. Assessment geosites challenging, especially because uncertain nomenclatures. propose focus identification, calculation number colours, qualitative evaluation comparison colours given object its landscape context. Geoheritage may have different meanings geosite visitors, colour-emotion associations revealed by national international studies important trace these meanings.