The Wondrous Story of Sand

"Composed of the remnants of volcanic explosions, eroded mountains, dead organisms and even degraded manmade structures, sand can reveal the history - both biological and geological - of a local environment. And examined closely enough, as the scientist and artist Gary Greenberg has, sand can reveal spectacular colors, shapes and textures."

ScienceDaily: Gallery: Each Grain of Sand a Tiny Piece of Art by Gary Greenberg [Amazing pictures]

Picture: 'Kaihalulu (Red sand) Beach,' Kauiki, Maui, 1996, Virginia Beahan & Laura McPhee