This tiny pebble, about 3/4″, is what initially caught my eye. But when I got home, it is the sand that I find most beautiful. This was taken on a New Jersey beach that was affected by Superstorm Sandy. Although I have noticed this heavier sand many times over the past winter, I had not thought about it before. Apparently, the storm blew or washed away all the fine, top sand layers, leaving the rougher, heavier sand beneath. The crystals, bright oranges, bits of purple shell, and the rest of the sand-rainbow are usually not visible beneath the sugar-soft white sand; it is all usually hidden.

The state is still recovering, but will be open for business this summer. And if you are lucky, you may still be able to walk on sand-of-many-colors!