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Chemicals, Plastics, Raw Materials » Building Materials
Sand
Sand is a natural material that is made of granules. Minerals and divided rock comprise sand and the particles range from 0.0625 up to 2.0 millimeters. A single particle is called a sand grain. Smaller than a grain is silt (those that are smaller than 0.0625 millimeters) while anything bigger than a grain of sand is called gravel. Sand grain feels coarse when touched.
Sand could be practically everywhere but it can also be sold and bought in particular stores. Here are the most common uses of sand:
- It makes up a major part of concrete.
- Just like concrete, the main component of glass is sand.
- Manufacturers of brick mix sand with clay and other materials.
- Molding sand is used for sand casting by, first, being moistened and oiled for shaping. Sand casting requires the sand to be exposed to extreme heat and pressure.
- Filtered water uses a great deal of sand in the form of media filters. • For those walls or ceilings that need textured finishing, sand can be mixed with paint. It can be used to make non-slip surfaces.
- Golf courses also make use of sand. This is because sand is a good material for landscaping.
- There are certain crops that require sandy soil such as peach, peanut, and watermelon.
- Bullets and water are of no use when sandbags are built as protection.
- People love beaches and they are never lovely without—sand!
- Animated films make use of sand animation technique.
- To improve the traction of wheels against the rails, sands are also used on railroads.
- For low-cost aquariums, sand could also be used as lining. Gravel is much bulkier as compared to sand when used as an aquarium lining.
- And what are beaches without sand castles?
It is understandable that sand could have many uses—it is made from the finest material that is resistant to weathering. Its composition could be highly changeable as its texture depends much on its condition and its location. The usual white sand in beaches comes from tropical or subtropical settings and it is made from eroded limestone. Coral and shell fragments make up most white sands. When granite weathers, it can become the sandstone that everyone knows. Sands that come from igneous rocks are often dark-colored while those that have sedimentary components are often white.
Although particularly small when measured, the uses for sand are enormous. It is practically everywhere—in buildings, highways, beaches, schools and—yes—even in our own homes. GP
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