Bahamas
Sand Origin
Cat Cay, banks just south of Bimini
The sand collector: “Our sand is oolitic aragonite sand that we harvest from the banks of The Bahamas. It naturally forms on a renewable basis when blooms of cyanobacteria enter the shallow waters on the banks.
During the photosynthesis process, the cyanobacteria sequester carbon from the atmosphere and that carbon binds to the calcium in the waters, forming a unique type of calcium carbonate called oolitic aragonite sand.
If you look closely at the grains of sand, you will see that the grains are smooth and round. Oolitic actually means egg-shaped, which you will see that these grains are. This is a naturally reoccurring event making oolitic aragonite truly renewable”
Local Sand Trivia
Ready for a hidden gem of the Bahamas? While the magic happens under the surface, the result – tons of egg-shaped grains of sand, show up not only on Bahamas beaches but in aquariums around the world.Â
Smooth oval calcium carbonate sand grains, ooliths, are unlike any other sand you’ve seen. And there’s more to it than meets the eye. Even more spectacular is how these grains grow.Â
As tiny particles of calcium carbonate spin in warm water, layers of calcite build-up. Over time creating perfectly oval-shaped sand grain balls.Â
Besides forming beaches and regulating pH balance in aquariums, the sand is used in various industries. From agriculture to plastics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Imagine growing sand!
