"I've just returned from Saudi Arabia (March 12, 2015) where I collected three samples of sand. I was in Riyadh, and there isn't much in the way of sand dunes or sandy areas. Mostly barren rock and a sandy soil. The entire area is covered in some sort of metamorphic rock with caverns, and the rock is easily broken. The rock looks to be a sandstone, but on closer inspection it's really more flinty or cherty. The rocks ring with a metallic sound when struck. I am told this is because there are mony voids in the rock.
I collected three samples, two (samples 1 and 2) of which (the white-grey sands) are from different sources, but may be of the same comosition. I detect one (sample 2?) is a little darker in color. The other sample, red in color, I am sure comes from the great sand sea area. It is a darker shade than what I see in UAE.
I am sure these samples are not manufactured by man, or the results of a crushing plant. There are a lot of crushing plants in Riyadh. I believe these are naturally occuring sands, but have been processed (sifted) to separate the finer grains." Gary Foster
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