Discover the extraordinary microscopic world hidden inside something we usually take completely for granted – sand.
The Northamptonshire Natural History Society is fortunate to care for the Osborne Sand Collection at the Humfrey Rooms in Northampton, one of the major sand collections of its kind in the country. During this fascinating practical microscopy session, we’ll examine a selection of specimens from the collection and discover just how different individual grains of sand can be when viewed under a microscope.
Far from being simply tiny pieces of rock, sand grains can reveal an incredible variety of colours, shapes, textures and mineral compositions. Their appearance can provide clues to their geological origins, the rocks and minerals from which they formed, and the processes of erosion, weathering and transportation that have shaped them over time.
Using microscopy, we’ll take a much closer look at individual grains and explore some of the geological stories they contain. Depending on their origins, samples may contain beautifully rounded or angular mineral grains, quartz and other rock fragments, tiny biological remains and an astonishing range of natural colours and textures.
Some specimens are particularly spectacular under magnification and make superb subjects for photomicrography and micrographs, revealing intricate details that are completely invisible to the naked eye.
Whether your interest is microscopy, geology, minerals, rocks, natural history, photography or simply discovering something new, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore an important collection held right here in Northampton.
No specialist knowledge is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to look a little closer.