Book 12, Question 127
Why Are Some Beaches Green?
Some beaches are green because their sand is made of tiny green crystals from volcanic rock. The crystals are a mineral called olivine. Waves leave the heavy green crystals on the beach.
More fun facts
- Papakolea Beach in Hawaii has green sand.
- Its green color comes from the mineral olivine.
- The olivine was left on the shore by a volcano that is now dormant.
- Hawaii also has black sand beaches, some on the newest land on Earth.
- Sand color gives clues about a beach's history.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, National Park Service, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
What other colors can sand be?
White, black, pink, red and even green.