Most of my life I've been interested in earth sciences, especially
geology. As part of this interest, I've always collected geological samples
whether these be rocks, fosils, gemstones or whatever.
Recently, I had reason to look at a small sample of local sand
under my microscope and was fascinated by the "miniature rocks" visible. Each
different grain within the sample can be identified as a different types of
rock, probably from a different area in my locality. I decided to look at a sand
sample from a completely different area in the North West UK. This was totally
different in every respect.
At this stage I looked up the words "sand collector" on the
Internet and was amazed to find dozens of people around the world who were also
interested in sand. Not only were they interested in the stuff but they
exchanged samples with each other. What more could I ask for, geological samples
from all over the world. Sounds too good to be true! I'll just have to become a
"arenophile" myself.
Unfortunately initially I had no sand to exchange with, apart
from a couple of local samples. To rectify this, I've done a few local trips
to the Lancashire and Cumbrian coasts, collected reasonable amounts of different
sand samples and have now listed all 20 samples here.
To see how the collection is increasing - if at all! - just
take a look at the above page to see if I've managed
to increase the collection. The date I'm starting this page is the 1st July
2001 and the list of sand samples has an "last update" date on it, so you'll
be able to see how fast(!!!!) or slow the collection increases. (since writing
the above, my collection has grown to such an extent that I'n no longer
updating the list mentioned earlier - it would be a never ending job!).
If anyone ever wants to contact me then just e-mail me.
This is the sand
sample that started all this off! Although I live 40 odd miles from the
sea, this sample was obtained from a small stream near to my home. Just
take a look at all the different types of rock in the sand. Local sandstone
predominates but where on earth are all the other grains from and what sort
of minerals are they?
13th August 2001
This is being written just six weeks after the above and what
a fascinating world I've discovered in more ways than I could have imagined.
I've discovered beaches fairly "local" to me which I never thought
existed, I've found the most fascinating spots which well deserve further
visits in the future not only for the sand (some of the places only had
rocks and pebbles!) but also for the sheer beauty of the places. Perhaps
the most surprising part of the hobby has been having contact with other
sand collectors from around the world. What a friendly, generous bunch of
people and I send my thanks to all those who have taken the time to send
me samples of their sands, especially as all I have in return are some fairly
mundane local sand samples. The picture below illustrates the generosity
of some (many thanks Bill Beiringer in California). Thanks to everyone!

LINKS TO OTHER "SAND" PAGES.
Microscopic
Science Art
The Virtual Sandbox
SandCollector.com
Suebob's
Sand Collecting Page
Sandcollection
Page
Brazilian
Sand Page
Fernwood
Sand Collecting Home Page