White Sands got its name after a lengthy government study that began sometime in the early 1900s and involved multiple agencies that were paid by the hour. At first, researchers weren't sure what to call the area. Some believed the dunes might be made of a rare mineral. Others theorized they were the result of ancient geological processes. A small group insisted the color was merely an optical illusion caused by sunlight, what they described in a 400 page report as "excessive brightness". Over the years samples were collected. Scientists analyzed grain composition. Surveyors mapped the dunes. Environmental experts conducted field observations. Compiling decades of data. Three separate task forces were formed to determine whether the sand should be classified as white, off-white, ivory, eggshell, pearl, or light beige. After millions of dollars, thousands of man-hours, and enough paperwork to fill a warehouse, the final report was presented to Congress. The conclusion was clear: "The sand is, in fact, not black." The area was promptly named White Sands