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The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. 4138 Steve Reynolds Boulevard Norcross, GA 30093-3059 |
Sand Section
A Special GMS Group
for People Interested in Sand
Sand Section Meets
First Wednesday Every Month
If you think sand is just tiny rocks, the insignificant stuff of beaches and dunes, or simply a substance with the ability to invite itself into regions of your clothing where it is most unwelcome, then you need to take a closer look. Consider a sample of green sand. Some grains have bubbles or inclusions. Some are angular and some are rounded. What is it? How did it form? Or how about another sample that looks like tiny stars? What are those little things? How did they end up in some sand? Well, now you know why we have a section for people interested in sand!
So, those of you who thought you were the only person weird enough to think it was a good idea to keep baggies and jars full of sand -- come join us! Even if you still think sand is just tiny rocks, even if you think you already have enough hobbies, or even if you just want to see what all the excitement is about – come join us!
Interesting Articles and Links
Click here for a list of Zoom links from past Sand Section meetings.Click here for the International Sand Collectors Society (ISCS) website.
Click here for the "What is Sand" page on the ISCS website.
Click here for a sand nomenclature glossary on the ISCS website.
Click here for a list of links to coloring pages about psammophiles (sand animals).
If you have any questions about Sand Section, please send email to
Sand Section Message
Is it Sand?
Photo by Leo Kenney
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Social Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Virtually via Zoom Link on the GMS Calendar here
Topic: "Things That Are Not Sand"
In March, Thom Hopen gave us a long-awaited presentation about blotting/writing sand. He explained the difference between pounce and sand, and talked about how sand was used to dry ink so it would not smear. It was fascinating to see John Hancock documents with grains of sand still stuck to the ink on the paper, and photomicrographs of sand grains that still had ink on them. Needless to say, there were lots of questions followed by lively conversation. Many thanks to Thom for sharing his expertise and drawing us into another sand realm!
April Fool’s Day is sand day too, so let’s talk about things that are not sand! That’s right, not sand! We are going to look at things that might fool us into thinking they are sand. Why does it walk like sand and talk like sand, but it’s not sand? Is it a matter of definition? Or is it in the eye of the beholder? And just for fun, there might be some things in there that really are sand. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, I might add you to my sand collection anyway. What a perfect night to join in on a bit of sand-foolery!
Lori Carter
Sand Section Chair
Click here for the GMS Sand Collection List
2026 Sand Calendar
The 2026 sand calendar is here! As always, the pictures are stunning and the write-ups are well-researched and educational! You can purchase the calendar on ebay HERE. They are limited edition, so don't delay, order yours today!
Click below for a map and directions
