Like sands through the hour glass, so are the…. oh hi there! Don’t mind me, just reciting my favourite poem as I ogle these incredible zoomified sand photos by Dr. Gary Greenberg.

Magnified up to 300 times, these tiny grains of sand reveal their true forms, captured perfectly under the microscope. We all know sand is tiny bits of ‘things’ but who would have suspected such beauty would exist in a spec? Varying in size, substance and shape – depends greatly on the location they’re found and the surrounding elements.

If you just can’t get enough of these up close images, you’ll be delighted to know Dr. Greenberg has a range of books showcasing his microscopic finds at Sandgrains.com

Sand from Zushi Beach, Japan: possibly sapphire crystal

Sand containing a chabazite crystal from Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii.

Sand from Skeleton Beach in Namibia made of pink & red garnet

All images © all rights reserved Dr. Gary Greenberg

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire