We tend to consider sand to be merely a beachy nuisance, but it's one of the most significant natural materials on our planet. Sand is created over thousands of years as rocks are weathered and eroded away. But what appears simple is really vital to modern society.

Sand is the main ingredient in concrete, glass, and even computer chips. Without it, cities wouldn't rise, roads wouldn't stretch, and smartphones wouldn't exist. Indeed, the demand for sand worldwide is so high that it has fueled illegal sand mining in some areas.

There are numerous varieties of sand—from the white sands of tropical shores to the iron-laden red sands of deserts. The form, size, and origin of each grain can narrate the tale of its passage through time and space.

Scientists even examine sand on other planets to find out about other worlds' environments. From the shores of our planet to Mars' dunes, sand still forms the landscapes—and the destinies—of our world.