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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
Screening and washing sand
Image Credit: Lori Carter
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Social Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Virtually via Zoom Link on the GMS Calendar here
Speaker: Group Discussion
Topic: Cleaning Sand
In July, we talked about digital microscopes and experimented with viewing sand live on Zoom. We also saw photographs members have taken with their digital microscopes. We were a little surprised and impressed with the technology. After some lively discussion, we concluded that the pros and cons of digital microscopes are dependent on your microscopy needs, and there is a place for both traditional and digital microscopes for many collectors.
Looking at sand through microscopes, the question arose about cleaning sand. Just as you wash your rocks and fossils so you can see color and fine details, sand that has been washed is easier to see too. So, in August, we will discuss how to clean sand. We will start with a brief presentation followed by a group discussion so everyone can share their cleaning methods and techniques.
Sand Work Day
August 9, 2026
Starting at 1 pm
GMS Building
GMS has a permanent collection of sand from all over the world. Excess sand is stored so anyone can get samples. Over time, as sand samples are removed, the boxes where the sand is stored become sparse and take more room than necessary, plus, more specimens are donated.
Every once in a while, we reorganize the sand to compress the samples into fewer boxes, or as Brian Curtis quipped, we "defrag" the collection, and we also catalog new specimens.
There will be microscopes set up so you can marvel over sand specimens as we work the collection.
It is a great time to help the club and get a few new specimens for yourself!
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
