How Are Black Sand Beaches Formed?

Black sand beaches are not a common occurrence throughout the world, but do exist in areas with volcanic activity. The sand found on black sand beaches originated from ground lava that has evolved over centuries. Black sand found on the beaches varies in size from larger coarse pieces to finer granules. The color of the black sand can vary from a dark black to a medium shade of gray.

Types

• Black sand beaches can be made up of two different types of sand. One is made by placer deposits and is composed of a heavy, glassy mixture of fine sands. This type of sand is also partially magnetic. The second type of sand is made of smaller fragments of lava and is generally found in close proximity to volcanoes.

Placer Deposits

• Black beaches are formed when the lava particles are separated from normal sedimentary rock and deposited on beaches near volcanoes. This type of formation leaves a heavy concentration of minerals, and these deposits have also been known to hold precious gems which are mined from these black sand beaches.

Weather and Water

• Black sand beaches can be formed by the Earth's weather patterns causing lava to erode into the sandy beaches. The tides help break up the lava that rests on the shallow ocean floor -- turning it into a fine sandy material -- and then will redeposit the sand on the beach. It is a common occurrence to see steam explosions when the hot lava meets up with the cooler waters.

Locations

• Though black sand beaches are a rare occurrence throughout the world, there are several regions where they are common. Islands that have black sand beaches include Iceland, Hawaii, Indonesia and Polynesia. There are some islands in the Caribbean which also have black sand beaches, such as Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Granada and Puerto Rico.

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Black Sand Beaches in St. Lucia

The easiest way to create a black sand beach is to have a cooperative volcano nearby. The Caribbean island of St. Lucia has its share of volcanic cones, most of them dormant. The wind, rain and waves erode the black lava offerings from deep within the earth. Over time fine grains of black sand cover island beaches. The contrast of the clear blue water, white froth of spent waves and black shoreline is striking. The black sand is most prominent along the southwestern shoreline, the site of the most recent volcanic activity.

A Beach Primer

• St. Lucia is framed by waters of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Caribbean, in essence giving this one island two personalities. On the Atlantic side, facing east, the swells are stronger and the beaches are great for storm watching and greeting the sunrise, but not so much for swimming or snorkeling. But travel west to the Caribbean side and it’s another story. Visitors and locals alike come to enjoy the gently lapping waters. Major hotels and resorts tend to gravitate to this more tranquil western shore, among them Sandals and Rex Resorts, a Caribbean brand. All beaches on St. Lucia are public, even those in front of resorts. A few beaches are so secluded they can only be reached by boat.

Black and Blue

• Snorkel off the southwestern island beach of Anse Chastanet and you’ll be hard pressed to keep your eyes on the colorful fish. Anse Chastanet Beach, home to the Anse Chastanet Resort, is a vision in ebony sand and multihued blue waters. Adding to this photogenic locale is a swath of palm trees and shoreline shrubbery that injects countless shades of green into the picture. The waters off-shore are a protected SMMA (Soufriere Marine Management Area) marine reserve and a magnet for scuba divers of all skill levels.

Black and White

• You’ll need a boat to visit the black sands of Anse Couchon, but the secluded locale and clear water make this the perfect spot for snorkeling. The beach itself displays an almost zebra-like pattern because of a mix of white and black sands. The black is still dominant. Near Soufriere Bay is another stretch of black sand. It has flecks of white and isn’t quite as dark as Anse Chastanet. The Jalousie area, less than 2 miles south of Soufriere, really does have black sand beaches but some hotels have trucked in white sand to cover them up. Head to the waterline and you’ll find the true color. The beach is accessible by boat or by going through the grounds of the Jalousie Hilton Resort.

Reaching St. Lucia

• Most visitors arrive in St. Lucia by air. On the northern end of the island is the George F.L. Charles Airport. To the south is the Hewanorra International Airport. The latter has the longer runway and can handle the larger jets of international carriers. Air Canada, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are just some of the major brands that provide service to St. Lucia. Car rentals are available at both airports. Scheduled water ferry service is also an option. L’Express des Iles has daily departures out of Martinique and weekend service to and from Guadeloupe and Dominica. Brudey Freres has twice weekly service out of Guadeloupe. Some Caribbean cruises stop at St. Lucia and dock at Castries.

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