Raudasandur, Iceland

A study in…scallops?

Raudasandur is named for the slightly scarlet tint of its sands, as seen in this wide shot of the 6-mile beach. The name translates to 'red sand' in the local tongue—Icelandic, surprisingly enough given the beachy scenery. While it's the rosy hues that made their way into the name, Raudasandur actually displays a variety of colors throughout the day. The effect is due to a key ingredient in the sand: tiny bits of iridescent scallop shell, which reflect different colors depending on how the sunlight catches them.