If you think sand is just tiny rocks, the insignificant stuff of beaches and dunes, or simply a substance with the ability to invite itself into regions of your clothing where it is most unwelcome, then you need to take a closer look. Consider a sample of green sand. Some grains have bubbles or inclusions. Some are angular and some are rounded. What is it? How did it form? Or how about another sample that looks like tiny stars? What are those little things? How did they end up in some sand? Well, now you know why we have a section for people interested in sand!

So, those of you who thought you were the only person weird enough to think it was a good idea to keep baggies and jars full of sand -- come join us! Even if you still think sand is just tiny rocks, even if you think you already have enough hobbies, or even if you just want to see what all the excitement is about – come join us!

Sand Section Message

The famous green sand from the Big Island of Hawaii

Cretaceous fossils found in sand in a river in South Georgia

Sand from Omaha Beach in Normandy, France

Round, oolitic sand from Antelope Island in Salt Lake, Utah

Red, garnet-bearing sand, Ruby Beach on the Olympic Peninsula, WA
All images by Julian Gray

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Social Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Virtually via Zoom Link on the GMS Calendar here
Speaker: Julian Gray
Topic: The World of Sand: Science, Beauty, and Utility

Many thanks to Olga for showing us her creative, educational sand learning stations at the February Sand Section. Her ideas are so simple and so much fun, we were all inspired to incorporate her techniques when we volunteer for educational outreach events, and I must confess, we were all envious of the children who get to experience her lessons.

In March, join us as geologist Julian Gray takes us on a tour of the World of Sand.

“Everyone has some idea of what sand is. It often conjures visions of warm tropical beaches. But not all sand is alike, in fact the differences are often as amazing as they are beautiful. Sand is the most abundant natural resource on Earth, almost as abundant as the stars in the Universe. It is essential to construction, industry, and technology. Forensic scientists solve crimes by matching sand from crime scenes with sand from known sources. Geologists study sand to unravel the Earth’s history. As a hobby, sand provides endless hours of educational fun.”

Through stunning photographs of his personal collection, Julian will show the diversity and beauty of this common and underappreciated natural material.

Lori Carter
Sand Section Chair

Click here for the GMS Sand Collection List

2025 Sand Calendar

The 2025 sand calendar is here! As always, the pictures are stunning and the write-ups are well-researched and educational! You can purchase the calendar on ebay HERE. They are limited edition, so don't delay, order yours today!