How much can we learn from a grain of sand?

I've wondered about this for years. Reading one of the books in the Inheritance Cycle, I came across a stipulation. It stated that if observed enough, a grain of sand could render to the viewer the deep secrets of the universe. Of course, that's a little far fetched, if not outright preposterous. I hasten to add that I am not asking if this is true, but it did occur to me to ask:

What, based on the tools we currently have, can we discern about the planet, chemistry, and physics in general, from a grain of sand?

Limitations:

• Don't be funny and blindingly obvious, e.g. "It's a grain of sand."
• Older tools are usable.
• Observations may include the use of other matter, obviously, but not in excess.
• Not a brainstorm, try to include the most verifiable points you can.
• It's an ordinary, 2mm diameter, slightly oblong, sand grain.
• You are (technically) allowed to use other objects as controls, preferably also sand grains.

posted about 8 years ago

Caleb Woodman‭

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