Sand.  Many dictionaries define sand as consisting of rock and mineral matter only, it omits most of its other intriguing aspects, such as the shells, fossils, corals, algae, and its related material, such as gemstones, volcanic material, and fossilized plants and animals often found within a single small sample. 

Searching out samples from the far reaches of the world is an exhilarating experience. To hold the earth from particular geographical locations such as sand from the banks of the Nile River, or along side the Great Wall of China, to wonder of the history while gazing at a sample from the Gettysburg battlefield or simply daydreaming of exotic places like Tahiti, Bali or Pago Pago, are some of the pleasures of sand collecting.

California Sand:

Malibu Beach

Santa Monica Beach

Hermosa Beach

Redondo Beach

Laguna Beach

Santa Barbara Beach.

Nevada Sand

Harodd Hotel - Laughlin

Las Vegas Desert.