Secret Confessions of A Sand Collector by Justine E. Hausheer.
Sand Collecting 101
Admit it, you’re at least mildly curious now.
So where does a new sand collector start?
Know the rules: Do your research ahead of time and understand where you are allowed to collect samples. Regulations vary depending on location, and you might have to do some digging (pun intended) to determine if collecting is allowed or seek permission from a landowner. If you’re collecting overseas and transporting samples across international borders, it’s also worth checking the customs regulations. Sand and rocks are inorganic materials, so theoretically they shouldn’t be a biosecurity hazard. But good luck trying to explain that to a cranky TSA agent… trust me, it doesn’t work. (Most of my own collection is now stored in a closet in my childhood home, as I couldn’t legally import them into Australia.)
Don’t disturb the local ecosystem: Much of this is common sense, but it bears repeating: Only take a small amount of sand — you don’t need a bucket’s worth. Don’t dig large holes, step on plants, dig up animal burrows, or wander off the trail onto fragile soils.
Keep your eyes open: Sands of different textures, colors and composition can often be found quite close to one another. Sometimes it can be hard to see these differences in situ, depending on the lighting. When in doubt, take a sample.
Bring your collecting kit: You don’t need much to collect your own sand samples. I carry a handful of small ziplock bags, each marked with a number (1, 2, 3…). When I collect a sample I jot down the bag number and details about the location in my phone. For those who like a little more specificity, you can record a GPS coordinate instead. You can also simply mark that information on the bags as you go, but I prefer to rinse and reuse my bags a few times to cut down on my plastic consumption. In a pinch, a waterbottle is always handy, even if it means finishing your hike a bit thirsty. And if you’re collecting wet sand, take a little bit more than you think you’ll need, as the sand will reduce in volume as it dries.
Decide how you will document and display: Options abound when it comes to storing your collection. Some collectors maximize their space by storing samples in identical containers, often with custom storage racks or drawers. (You can find hundreds of options from wholesale container and lab supply stores.) Others opt for a more artistic look, using a variety of glass bottles of different sizes and shapes. I used to prefer small, glass apothecary bottles sourced from thrift shops and antique markets. But I’m eyeing a to transition to the uniform, bulk-order bottle approach very soon, as my collection grows and becomes more difficult to store and transport during moves. Whatever containers you choose, make sure your sand is dry before you store it. I dry mine on a cookie sheet in the sun (or the oven) and then filter it through a kitchen sieve to remove any bits of organic material, like, seeds, grass, etc. Then I use a funnel to decant the final sample into a bottle.
Label, label, LABEL: I can’t stress this enough… label your sand! Small craft tags, basic white printer labels, sharpies — use whatever you like, as long as you can keep track of where and when you collected the sand in each bottle. Serious collectors will often photograph and log each sample in a digital database or spreadsheet.
Embrace your inner substrate nerd: And perhaps most important of all — stay curious. Turn the next corner, get your hands dirty, and enjoy an oft-overlooked geological wonder.
