On some beaches in Hawaii, the sand doesn’t just sparkle in the sunlight — it glitters with tiny green gems. At first glance, it looks as if the waves have scattered emeralds across the shore. But these aren’t jewels from a treasure chest. They are a natural mineral called olivine.
Olivine forms deep inside the Earth, in places where molten rock slowly cools. Hawaii, being a chain of volcanic islands, is rich in these conditions. When lava from the volcanoes erupts and flows into the ocean, it cools rapidly and breaks apart. Among the cooled lava are crystals of olivine, which are tougher than most of the other volcanic material. Over time, the weaker parts wash away, leaving behind the shiny green grains.
Rare colour of sand
Most beaches are white or golden, but Hawaii’s green sand is among the rarest colours on Earth.
One of the most famous examples is Papakōlea Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its entire shoreline is covered in olive-green sand, making it one of only four green-sand beaches in the world. Visitors often describe it as walking on crushed gemstones.
These sparkling grains are not only beautiful but also tell a story about the island’s fiery past. They are proof that Hawaii’s landscape is still shaped by volcanic forces beneath the surface.
Nicknamed Hawaiian diamond
Though not a real diamond, olivine is sometimes called “Hawaiian diamond” because of its sparkle.
Scientists sometimes call olivine “Hawaiian diamond,” though it’s not a precious stone like real diamonds. Still, its shimmering colour makes it special. The gems you see on the beach have travelled from the deep Earth, through an erupting volcano, to finally rest at the edge of the sea.
So, the green gems on Hawaii’s shores aren’t treasure from pirates, but nature’s way of showing how the planet creates beauty from fire, rock, and water.