If you think you've heard it all when it comes to strange collections, you are in for a surprise. What if I could tell you that next time you are away on the beach, you should consider packing up some the sand and then selling it on eBay? Sounds crazy? Sand collecting is a hot new trend making waves on the Internet. At any given time, there are anywhere from 100 to 500 sand collecting items on sale in eBay. Examples include sand from the Cannon Beach in Oregon, home of the Haystack Rock, and sand from the island of Okinawa.
Sand collecting is not a random adventure. Some people collect only sand that has some cultural or historical significance, while others go even further, collecting, for example, sand samples that have to do with WWII or other important but specific historical events. Sand collecting is also done as a more informal hobby by people who have traveled to exotic beaches and want to bring home a real memento of their trip. Other people approach sand collecting from a geographical standpoint, gathering samples of "Africa sands" or "around-the-world sand."
Sand collecting can get pricey. A sample from a hard-to-reach beach in a far away country can set you back an average of $20 to $50 US Dollars for a small glass vial containing a few grams of sand. Prices can rise because of historical significance, cultural heritage connection, and even because of the presence of celebrities on the area. Sand collecting is too new an area of speak of records, but it's not hard to estimate that certain sought-after samples can easily reach into the hundreds of dollars.
If you are interested in sand collecting, a good way to get started is to search online for sand collecting groups and blogs. Many people who are active in sand collecting form groups to exchange samples rather than buying their sand. This is a great option if you have something to reciprocate and don't mind the hassle of dealing with shipping.