sand - iridescent angular basalt sand - set of five 16 ml polystyrene tubes of sand weathered from the 1990 flow that overran Kalapana, Hawaii

Sand is derived from whatever material is locally available. Beaches are uncommon on the seacliff-ringed Island of Hawaii. When a lava flow reaches the sea, the hot lava shatters as it enters the water and if there is a cove nearby, it occasionally accumulates to form a beach. Wave action rounds the sand grains. A 2013 law prohibits collecting sand from a beach in Hawaii.

A locally famous black sand beach occupies a cove southwest of Hilo, where the sand is entirely basalt. Newer black sand beaches formed when the 1990 flows from Kilauea overran Kalapana, flowing into the sea, and when lava from the 2018 Kilauea east rift zone eruption reached the coast.

This sand was collected from the surface of the flow that overran Kalapana. The angular nature of the grains shows that this sand has not been transported far from its source. Parts of this flow have a glassy iridescent surface that is disintegrating. 

Set of five tubes, 16 ml each, optically clear polystyrene with screw caps. The plastic tubes are practical in a classroom and are somewhat student resistant, though a cap can be unscrewed. Good for student examination.

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