The Hobby of Sand Collecting

Sand collecting is not a new hobby or a passing fad. People
have been noted collecting sand for at least a century. Not
unlike rocks and minerals, seashells or fossil collecting, sand
also involves all these wonderful elements and interests and
more. Psammophiles (psammo - sand, philes - lovers of),
search out sand's unique qualities such as the endless variety
of colors, textures, components, grain shapes and angularities,
and other features.

To hold the earth from particular geographic locations, such as
sand from the banks of the Nile River, or alongside the Great
Wall of China, to wonder of the history while gazing at a
sample from the Gettysburg battlefield or simply daydreaming
of exotic places like Tahiti, Bali or Pago Pago, are some of the
pleasures of sand collecting. Samples from personal vacations
are usually the reason why people become sand collectors in
the first place. Peering at a sample from a trip long ago has
the unique ability to keep those memories alive long after your
adventure has passed.

Collectors create their own goals and challenges within the
hobby as some collectors try to collect samples from each
U.S. state or they might only elect to collect beach or desert
samples. Many ISCS members become involved in exchanging
samples with other members as a way of gathering and
studying the world. Others prefer to collect those samples,
which they have personally gathered. Either preference is fine.

Sand collecting encompasses people worldwide and creates a
global bond of long lasting friendships. The hobby has
interested people of various backgrounds. Teachers,
professors, artists and writers, scientists, retirees, museums,
associations, and universities have all been involved in sand in
some aspect. One of the greatest benefits of the hobby is the
ease and depth in which one can become involved with little or
no expense.

Hawaiian black, green, and red sands are a special treat
for collectors as are oolitic sands and rarer still, star
sands. Sonorous (sounding) sands and heavy mineral
sands are another delight to gather.

Sand rich in foraminifera (single-cell animals) and whole or
fragmented shell remains are other treasured samples in one's
collection. Searching out samples from the far reaches of the
world is an exhilarating experience.

Green Sand (Olivine)

Papakolea, Hawaii

Volcanic Black Sand Beach
(Obsidian) Kaimu,Hawaii

Red Cinder Sand (volcanic
ash) Hokuula, Maui,Hawaii

Brightly polished sand
grains. Hanakapiai Beach,
Kauai, Hawaii

Becoming A Collector

P.O. Box 117 * North Haven, CT 06473-0117 USA * Phone & Fax: 203 239-5488 * Email: ISCS@juno.com

Discovering the World, Grain by Grain

The Hobby Of Sand Collecting

Photos by Rex R. Elliott