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White Sands National MonumentYucca 2
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White Sands National Monument
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Photo of sand grains  

Did You Know?
The gypsum that makes up the white sands starts out as clear, translucent sand grains. As the wind bounces the sand grains along the ground, they collide and scratch each other. The scratches change the way light reflects off the grains, making the sand appear white.

Last Updated: October 02, 2008 at 10:48 EST