What’s “singing sand”?

Singing sand refers to sand that produces sound when walked upon. The main constituent is rounded quartz. Singing sand is known throughout the country. In Shimane Prefecture, the singing sand in Kotogahama (located in Maji, Nimacho, Oda City) is famous.
It is thought that the sand of Kotogahama was brought about by weathering of the rocks behind it. The most critical factor in creating a beach with singing sand is that there be no ingress or egress of sand. Kotogahama is a sandy beach that has been created on the inner side of a semicircular inlet. No large river flows into it, so that little sand is added. These factors create ideal conditions for singing sand. Singing sand stops producing sound if the sea is dirty or if fresh sand is brought in, such as via development work. This makes it vital to preserve the present environment.

The singing sand of Kotogahama (microscope photograph)
Kotogahama
In October 2017, Maji’s Kotogahama was designated as a national natural treasure.
　You can hear the sound of the singing sand by placing some of it in a container and pounding the sand with a stick.

The singing sand of Kotogahama (microscope photograph)
Kotogahama