Sand Collecting
The hobby of sand collecting likely started before the 20th century. Sand isn't new. Sand such as green sand found in Hawaii and Brazil is considered rare. Exotic locations, not easy to get to or get permission to visit, is also rare for collecting. Some locations forbid collecting any local rocks, including (or especially) sand.
An arenophile collects sand, with an interest in the variety of texture, colour, mineralogy, history, and place of origin.
A psammophile is a sand collecting specialist, photographing and looking at sand at the microscopic level. A small sample of sand can contain colorful minerals, tiny fossils and geological features the ordinary human can't see without technology to help.
International Sand Collectors Society
We collect sand. We save it as souvenirs of places visited, planned or imagined. We collect it because of scientific interest or natural curiosity. We store it in pretty bottles or uniform containers. We examine it microscopically, research its components and location, photograph it, and share it with others. We ask friends to bring us samples when they travel. If you do any of these, you are likely also a sand collector.
- Sand World - Sand collection of Daniel Helber
- Rock and Gem - What Is a Psammophile? A Guide to Collecting Sand
- Reddit - Sand Collecting (Not very active).
- Magnified Sand - Site by Robert Maronpot.
- Sand Grains - The Microscope Photography of Dr. Gary Greenberg PhD.
- Splendid Sands
- Sandatlas
Here's What You Need To Collect Sand
- A container to hold the sand. You should try to always have a container with you (in case you find some great sand to collect). When I travel, I usually carry a bunch of plastic bags with me. They are light and easy to pack. Sometimes, I'll take Baby Soda Bottles. They are cheap, easy to carry, and have a screw top. Remember, if you want to collect enough sand to share or trade with others, you may need a bigger container.
- A pen and paper. You should record the time and place where you collected the sand. I usually write it on a small piece of paper and stick it in the container with my sample. You can also use a permanent marker to write directly on the container holding your sand.
- A metal spoon. You need something to dig with. You can always substitute your hand if you don't have a spoon.
- A magnifying lens, eye loop, or hands lens. You will want to look closely at the sand you collect. Sand is fascinating when it is magnified!
Things to Keep in Mind
- You don't have to travel to some exotic location to start your sand collection. More than likely, you can find sand in your own back yard.
- Sand collected in the field is often a little moist if not wet. You should always allow you sand to drive before storing it.
- Find a good place to store your samples. Remember, your collection will grow. Find a place that is safe and convenient. I like to display samples from my collection in Gem Jars.
- You may want to get a magnified view of your sand samples. A good microscope can help. With one, you will be able to truly appreciate the sand you are collecting. You can purchase a good dissecting microscope for $15o.
- Make sure that you observe the laws in areas where you plan to collect sand. If the land is privately owned, you should obtain permission before collecting any samples. Also, you should be aware of any local, state, or federal laws which might restrict you from taking sand.