Sand

Sand is a granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. It is defined by size, being finer than gravel and coarser than silt. Sand can also refer to a textural class of soil or soil type; i.e., a soil containing more than 85 percent sand-sized particles by mass.

Composition

The composition of sand varies, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal settings is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), usually in the form of quartz. The second most common type of sand is calcium carbonate, for example, aragonite, which has mostly been created, over the past half billion years, by various forms of life, like coral and shellfish.

Types of Sand

There are many different types of sand around the world, such as:

• Beach Sand: An example of a type of sand found in a specific environment.
• Desert Sand: Found in arid regions, this sand is typically reddish due to the presence of iron oxide.
• River Sand: This type of sand is found in river beds and banks and is usually darker in color due to the presence of organic materials.

Uses

Sand has a multitude of uses, some of which include:

• Construction: Sand is often used in construction, where it may be mixed with concrete or used as a base for paving.
• Glassmaking: Silica sand is a primary component in the manufacturing of glass.
• Landscaping: Sand is also used in landscaping for projects such as sandboxes, gardens, and paver base.

Environmental Impact

The extraction of sand, particularly when done excessively, can have a negative impact on the environment. Over-extraction can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water.

See Also

• Sediment
• Soil classification
• Soil types