White Sands National Monument

"White Sands National Monument" (New Mexico) is a misnomer. First, the area is not covered by sands in the conventional sense. Second, it is not really white. Actually, the sand-like materials are gypsums, also known as Hydrated Calcium Sulfates. Because these transparent crystals reflect light, the dune appears to be white. Gypsums dissolve over time in water and therefore it is rarely found in the form of sand. However, due to the dryness of the New Mexico's desert, this area accumulates 275 square mile of gypsums. The last photo is not an accurate representation of the White Sands, of course. I was bored and just tried to be creative.

Chong Ho Yu 2009

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