Something sandy or maroon? (6)
I believe the answer is:
desert
This clue is a double definition.
'something sandy' is the first definition.
(a desert has lots of sand)
'maroon?' is the second definition.
(as in to maroon or desert someone on an island)
'or' is the link.
(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "Leave - due" , "Abandon in arid place" , "Sandy waste" , "Wild" , "Merit < leave" .)