Blankets of sand cover vast areas of Earth’s coastlines. They appear as uniform grains, making it look as though it all came from the same source. But a closer look reveals a variety of colours and shapes, each representing a different mineral composition. More often than not, the minerals that combine on a beach will result in the yellow tinge that we associate with sandy beaches.
Just as each grain differs from its neighbour, the qualities of sand on different beaches vary immensely. Local weather conditions and the shape of the coastline in an area can hugely influence the sand decorating its shores. Finer sand is often found in areas where low-energy waves lap at the land, while waves with more energy can carry larger sand particles and stones. Other weather conditions, such as wind strength, can also decide the size of the sand grains, with frequent wind spells blowing finer particles further from the water’s edge. The flattest land often produces the finest sand, as the constant tides cause rock to move around, breaking the grains as they rub together. It’s the constant movement of rock that brings sand into existence, replenishes our beaches and provides it with mesmerising characteristics.