Why are Destin's sands so white?

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You may be surprised who we have to thank for the beautiful snow white beaches here in Destin and along the Emerald Coast; the Appalachian Mountains!

A process which began thousands of years ago brings tiny quartz particles from the Appalachian Mountains down to our coast through the Apalachicola River. Along the journey, these grains become weathered into almost perfect ovals, which contribute to the “squeaks” you hear when walking in our sand.

At the conclusion of the last Ice Age, temperatures began to warm, melting the ice caps. This really jump-started the birth of the Emerald Coast, transporting vast amounts of the same quartz that formed the Appalachian Mountains, down to the Gulf of Mexico.

This process continues to this day, ensuring our reputation as having some of the whitest, most pristine beaches in the world!

Why are Destin's sands so white?

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Why are Destin's sands so white?

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