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re: greensand
Jeff and Denise,
Greensand, at least in the UK, is the name give to a number of marine
sediments, including some rich in phosphatic nodules (called coprolites -
but they are not!). These coprolites have been mined for centuries as
fertilizer. Incidentally, real coprolites are fossilized animal droppings.
The greensand is green because of a mineral called Glauconite, which is
formed in marine conditions of high nutrient levels. Phosphorus is an
important part of Glauconite.
Anyhow, the sand is calcareous and *will* harden the water.
If hard water isn't a problem, then the Greensand will probably be okay.
But you would be best to leave it out, and use silica (glass) sand, which
is inert.
All the best,
Neale.
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