Gulf Coast Alabama boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, not only in the United States but the world. While you dig your toes into the sand, you may wonder why the sand looks the way it does. Orange Beach/Gulf Shores sand is white, soft and fine, which is the result of white quartz crystal. Quartz is the most important sand-forming mineral because it is resistant to both physical and chemical weathering. Sand that is enriched in quartz is likely mature and has traveled far from the source area, sometimes thousands of miles. The quartz on the Gulf Coast has washed down from the Appalachian Mountains and deposited in the Gulf of Mexico. Taking a long journey is required to allow weathering to break down weaker minerals that were initially present in the rocks. Quartz particles give our sand a different look and feel than sand composed of heavier minerals such as titanium. Beach erosion naturally shifts sand, and storm surges move it back out into the gulf; therefore, beaches naturally re-nourish themselves. In addition, the sun naturally bleaches the sand.
Come enjoy Gulf Coast beaches with Sail Atlas Charters!