What is Sand?
{{otheruses}} [[File:00065 sand collage.jpg|thumb|Collage of sand examples]] '''Sand''' is a [[mixture]] of very small pieces of different rocks or [[minerals]]. It is the same minerals from which those pieces are broken, such as [[granite]] and [[feldspar]]. Sand is gritty to touch. It is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. Sand is also formed various rocks by weathering and [[erosion]]. Erosion breaks large boulders into smaller rocks. They get smaller and smaller until they reach the beach or a low-lying area as sand. Sand grains are smaller than [[Gravel|gravel grains]], (from {{val|2|ul=mm}} to {{val|64|u=mm}}), and larger than [[silt]], (around {{val|0.0625|u=mm}} to {{val|0.004|u=mm}}). Sand is mostly found on [[Beach|beaches]], and in [[Desert|deserts]]. The most common types of sand are made of [[silica]], or [[silicon dioxide]] (SiO<sub>2</sub>). [[Calcium carbonate]] (CaCO<sub>3</sub>) is the second most common. [[Dune|Sand dunes]] are made when [[wind]] or a [[river]] pulls sand into a mountain-like shape. They can be found in deserts, but sometimes high up on beaches too. ==Applications== Sand is crucial in the process of mixing [[concrete]]. It can also be used to make [[Sand castle|sand castles]]. Sand is sometimes used in households for [[aesthetic]] purposes. ==Related pages== * [[Earth]] * [[Geology]] * [[Physical chemistry]] * [[Inorganic chemistry]] * [[Environmental chemistry]] ==Gallery== <gallery> File:SandRoad.jpg|A sand [[road]] in [[Namibia]]. File:Kalabrien Ricadi Sandwellen 2129.jpg|Sand dune on a beach in [[Calabria]]. </gallery> ==Other websites== {{commons-inline}} {{Stub}} [[Category:Basic English 850 words]] [[Category:Geology]]