What are the components of sand?

Question

Sand from Long Beach Washington.

How did you figure it out?

Answer 1

well sand is mostly SiO2 (Silicon Dioxyde) with some impurities in the cristall which give a color

Answer 2

Sand typically consists of a base of Silicon DIoxide (a form of glass), silica and quartz. In addition Pacific Coast sand contains:

Foraminifera. Called forams for short. Tiny skeletons of one-celled animals. Usually flat, coiled discs. White, beige, brown, or red/orange.

Shell Fragments. Usually white. Often worne smooth by sea action.

Fragments of Coral or Seaweed. Dull white bits of broken reef and calcareous seaweed. Irregular shapes until well- worn and rounded by sea action.

Coral Bits. Small, white fragments of the coral skeletons with tiny holes in which the polyp animals lived.

Sea Urchin Skeletons. White or purple-black. Broken bits of needles or spines and flat pieces of urchin test.

Particles of Black Lava or Other Basalt Minerals.

Miscellaneous Items From Living Things. Fish scales, broken teeth, or platelets of green algae.

Miscellaneous Items From Non-Living Things. Glass, metals, plastics, and other debris.