World’s geometrical perfection starts with nature. While we are busy drawing shapes with pen on paper, mama nature demonstrates these figures through the universe. One such miraculous exhibit occupies the Hoshizuna beach of Okinawa Islands, Japan.
Okinawa consists of a group of more than 150 Islands in the East China Sea. Some of the small islands among them are popular for their grains of sand which are star shaped! The Hoshizuna beach on the northern edge of Iriomote Island is only one such centre of attraction for travelers and marine biologists from around the world.
The legend of the star-shaped sand
Interesting local legends would tell you the story of th existence of this sand in Hoshizuma-no-hama, which literally translates to “sand in the shape of star”. Some say that the sand is actually a fleet of creatures which are offspring of the Southern Cross and the North Star. Born in the Okinawa Sea, these star-shaped offsprings were swallowed by a serpent who left their skeletons scattered on the beaches of Taketomi-Jana.
But what is the star-shaped sand, really?
The sand is actually a collection of fossils of microscopic creatures of the family of Calcalinidae, called the Baculogypsina Sphaerulata. Belonging to the species of Foraminifera, they are found living in the seagrass in the deep sea. When they die, their exoskeletons are carried by currents, mixing them with sand. Their shape with 5 or 6 spines give them them a star-like appearance.
When and Where?
Usually appearing in large volume after a typhoon, star-shaped sand attracts a number
The best way to get to Hoshizuna beach is from Uehara Port. It is usually suggested to visit the beaches of Japan in early autumn, when other small beaches of Tokasheki, Taketomi and Hatoma also offer star-shaped sand sprinkled there.
Liked knowing about Hoshizuna beach and its star-shaped sand? You’ll like ready about the destructively beautiful Yosemite firefalls that are straight from your nightmares!
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