International Sand Collectors Society
Exploring the world, grain by grain
Gold Bearing Sand, Nome, Alaska, USA | Photo by Leo Kenney
Welcome to the ISCS
Exploring the World, Grain by Grain
We think sand is really cool. Since you’re here, you probably think so, too.
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.
Volunteers are the heart of the ISCS
There are many opportunities for members to be involved, including a number of volunteer-driven committees.
If you’re interested in helping with our mission, please click below to learn more about the various committees and how you can be a part of them!
The ISCS is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization.
We are a member of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, one of the seven regional federations of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)
Our Mission: To educate ISCS members and the public about the origin, wonder, and science of sand.
Our Vision: People will see the world through the geology and biology of sand; and they will learn from those humble grains that there is science and wonder all around them.
Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies (SFMS)