Musical Sands

Abstract

MAY I record the discovery of musical sands at places along the shore between Ramsgate and Kingsgate. The sand occurs in small patches close to the chalk cliffs, the largest patch being found at Joss Gap. In composition the sand is very similar to that of Studland Bay, but the individual grains are more polished, and the proportion of denser minerals far higher. Of course, the sand can only be experimented upon when it has been uncovered by the sea for a sufficient length of time to enable it to become dry, and it gives remarkable results when tested in the ordinary way—especially when placed in a china vessel and struck with a wooden plunger.