But wed be lying if we didnt admit to being a bit partial to white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water.
(If youre interested in the later, check outthis Florida town.)
Go ahead, kick those sandals off and get used to the feeling of the sand between your toes.
Beach scene, Clearwater, Florida.Credit:Image Source/Getty Images
Why Is Clearwaters Sand So White?
Theres actually a scientific reason that Clearwaters sand is so white (and so soft!).
The mineral is much softer than shells or fossil fragments, which accounts for that unparalleled velvety texture.
And the sparkly quality of the quartz crystal translates into sand that seems to glow white.
The combo of the two can be difficult to take in with the naked eye.
Did you know that beaches with white quartz sand also tend to have prettier water?
The water contained white quartz crystals, and over time Clearwaters stunning shores were born.
Why Does Clearwaters Sand Squeak?
You wont hear the familiar thud of a heavy-laden trod, but you will hear a high-pitched squeak.
And its not a beach mouse!
What youre hearing is the rubbing together of individual quartz particles.
As the round particles rub together, the air between the grains needs an escape.
The high-pitched chirp is the sound of that air escaping and the mineral particles scratching each other.
