Siesta Beach & Crescent Beach are renowned for their clean, dazzling white sand that looks and feels like confectioners sugar. You won’t find any shells or coral in this lush sand. Though if you’re looking to hunt for sea shells, Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach is perfect for that. In 1987, Siesta Key entered in the “Great International Sand Challenge” and Crescent Beach beat more than 30 other contenders for the beach to be named the “World’s Finest, Whitest Sand.”
Geological History
The beauty of this sand derives from the 99% quartz grains, a geological rarity. The pure quartz grains are derived from the southern Appalachians, meaning that over time, rivers carried the sand into the Gulf of Mexico and along Florida’s southern coast. Harvard University geologists have studied this sand closely to determine its 99% quartz grain composition and estimate that the sand on Siesta and Crescent Beaches are millions of years old.
Quartz is a type of crystal stemming from igneous rock which is formed when rock is liquified with immense heat and pressure. After cooling, the molten rock solidifies and creates rock like quartz, granite, obsidian, and more! On the Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated a 7. For comparison, diamond is rated a 10. With a 7 level rating, minerals like quartz cannot be scratched easily at all, but can be used to scratch glass quite easily.
Numerous eolian cycles smooth out the sharpness of the quartz grains and help to refine the sand to make it as soft as it is today. Due to the coastline winds, storms, and ocean currents, the sand is constantly being refined and softened.
Crystal is a very good conductor that easily disperses heat from the Florida sun. This helps keep the sand at the perfect temperature, unlike other beaches that have darker sand and naturally contain heat. Most sand is made of sedimentary rocks and pulverized coral, but the white, quartz sand of Siesta Key is completely unique. It is no wonder why families naturally gravitate to Siesta & Crescent beach as the stunning white sand and crystal clear waters package beauty and safety, ensuring the temperate sand does not burn!
Lovers of Siesta Key Beaches can rest assured knowing that the beautiful sand is not going anywhere. The structure of Siesta Key as a barrier island actually causes sand to continue accumulating, rather than eroding away. Down south at Crescent Beach, the Point of Rocks area helps to act as a natural barrier to hold the sand in.
The Perfect Touch
This soft, cool sand is perfect for long walks on the beach and picnics. Siesta Beach holds a wealth of family friendly activities on the sand such as volleyball and tennis that could be played for hours. Sculptors love the white, quartz sand of Siesta Key because it can be tightly packed and sculpted till firm and smooth! This makes for towering sand castles that can be entered in many of the town’s local island sand sculpting contests.
Large, annual sand castle building competitions have been held since 2010 and continue to increase in popularity as some artists can create sand sculptures up to 10 feet high! The Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become an international sand sculpting festival, drawing in contestants and crowds from all over the world to participate. There are solo sculptures and team sculpture events. Vendors will come to set up around the area and create a whole event to commemorate this gorgeous sand. After sunset, colored lights are set up to view each sand sculpture in all its glory!
Above all, Siesta Key is committed to keeping its beaches clean. Smoking, glass containers, campfires, and portable grills are not permitted on any Siesta Key beach, in an effort to keep the white sand polished and safe for everyone. Volunteers also assist with beach clean ups regularly to ensure safety for all visitors.
