Ecuador and the Galápagos, July 23 - August 7, 2007 / 20070803b_FloreanaPuntaCormoran_OlivineSand Ruth Milner, rmilner plus web at bookofmarvels dot net 12/21/2007

Olivine sand, Punta Cormorant The brownish-looking beach sand here is largely composed of a mineral called olivine. It is the small yellowish-green crystals in this sample. Some beaches have ordinary sand, but on others it is fascinating when you look at it up close.