Purple beaches are a phenomenon caused by the presence of a large amounts of almandine-pyrope garnet.[1][2][3] or other purple minerals like manganese[4] or rose quartz that have accumulated in the local sediment. These purple beaches are primarily found in the western Canadian Shield region or the northern continental United States; often in proximity to a major river systems with coarse sediment, a glacial sediment source, or input from glacial or para-glacial sediment.[5] Purple sand can also be caused by purple paint mixing with the quartz in sand.
- ^ "Why is the Sand Purple at Plum Island Beach?". JEOL USA. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Sepp, Siim (16 May 2013). Pfeiffer Beach sand. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Coastal Environments NE Massachusetts and New Hampshire Field Trip Eastern Section (PDF), Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, 9–11 May 1969, p. 215–313
- ^ "Clearwater Lake Provincial Park Management Plan" (PDF). Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Parks and Natural Areas Branch. January 2013. Retrieved 18 Nov 2021.
- ^ Hein, Christopher J.; et al. (1 Jan 2014). "Evolution of para-glacial coasts in response to changes in fluvial sediment supply". London Geological Society Special Publications. 388 (15): 270. Bibcode:2014GSLSP.388..247H. doi:10.1144/SP388.15. S2CID 129662471. Retrieved 19 November 2021.