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Sunset over the dunes, White Sands National Park, 2012.

Generally, sand is categorized in one of two ways: mineral sand or organic sand. Mineral sands form by geologic forces. Most sand on earth is made of the mineral quartz, made from the weathering of granite, sandstone or limestone. Sand color depends on the mineral. The PInk Coral Reef Dunes are stained by rusting hematite (iron). The green sands of Hawaii and Guam are made of olivine (which is green) eroded from basaltic lava flows. Black sand may result from gold hematite and magnetite or volcanic basalt. Organic sand forms through completely different processes. Most organic sands are found on tropical beaches near coral reefs. This is because shells of clams and snails along with large amounts of fish poop form organic sands. Interestingly, certain fish (for example, parrot fish) are able to bite off pieces of coral reefs, digest and excrete coral rock. All of these organic ingredients wash ashore, forming iconic white sandy beaches.

U.S. National Park Service

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White Sands National Park, Code: WHSA

National Park Service Facebook Photos

Title: White Sands National Monument
URL: https://www.facebook.com/White-Sands-National-Monument-Managed-by-White-Sands-Park-Rangers-174432742589952/

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03/03/2012

Public Can View

Organization: White Sands National Monument
Address: PO Box 1086, Holloman AFB, NM 88330

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