Rockets on the Beach

Quartz Sand: This is the most common type of sand found on beaches, especially along coastlines. It's typically light-coloured and composed mainly of silica (silicon dioxide). Quartz sand is durable and resistant to weathering.

Carbonate Sand: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, this sand is composed primarily of calcium carbonate, derived from the shells and skeletons of marine organisms like coral and molluscs. It tends to be white or light-coloured.

Volcanic Sand: Found near volcanic areas, this sand is typically dark-coloured, ranging from black to dark green, and is composed of basalt and other volcanic minerals.

Gypsum Sand: Rare and found in specific locations like White Sands National Park in New Mexico, this type of sand is composed of gypsum crystals. It’s white and very soft.

Olivine Sand: This greenish sand is found in some places with volcanic activity, such as Hawaii. It's rich in the mineral olivine.

Granite Sand: Found near granite outcrops, this type of sand consists of small granite particles. It can range in colour from white to pink to grey.

Coral Sand: Composed of fragments of coral and other marine organisms, this type of sand is common in coral reef areas. It is often light-coloured and can contain bits of shell and other organic material.

Garnet Sand: Rich in garnet minerals, this type of sand can be red or pinkish and is often found in areas with metamorphic rocks.