What is sand made of?

Roughly 30% of the Earth is covered in sand, yet not all sand is able to be used in construction and landscaping projects.

Geologists define sand as any granular mineral or rock sediment with a diameter between 1/16 of a millimeter to 2 millimeters (less than 0.01 inch). The diameter is the main difference and definition between sand gravel versus gravel. Sand material types have various compositions, color variation, and grain shape, yet are only defined as sand based on grain size.

Sand takes thousands, even millions of years to form as rocks break down from weathering and eroding. These rock particles travel down rivers and streams continuously getting smaller in size. Desert sand dunes are created by weathering and eroding as well, yet wind deposits sand until a mound starts to form. From these processes we get different types of sand; i.e. river sand, beach sand, play sand, etc.

Sand may range in particle size and sand material texture due to the weathering process that created the material. Sand may also vary in color due to the parent rock or marine organism from which the sand was derived. The most common color of sand is tan, this color composition is due to iron oxide which was likely present in the parent material and also may have been caused by the environment. Other colors such as black sand are derived from volcanic material such as lava or basalt rock, and white sand is from silica, calcium carbonate or gypsum.

What is sand used for?

Sand serves a variety of purposes and can be used on its own or as part of a blend. It is commonly utilized in sandboxes and playgrounds, for grouting between tiles, and mixed with gravel for various applications. In construction, sand is a vital raw material, especially important in road building and concrete production. There are numerous sand material types and they can serve different purposes, thus choosing the right sand for construction can be difficult.

Play Sand
Play Sand differs from Beach Sand as play sand is a washed and screened sand that is sterilized of any debris or harmful bacteria wherein sharper edges are smoothed. Play sand nearby is frequently bought for children sandboxes, and can be difficult to source as it needs to be cleaned of bacteria.

Beach Sand
Beach sand material uses are varied, but are commonly seen in volleyball courts, backyard applications, and even in your garden soil to improve its drainage properties. Beach sand is also used in land reclamation projects and is an ingredient in concrete, mortar and asphalt.

Concrete Sand
Concrete Sand is a coarse sand that is mainly from recycled concrete that has been broken-up and grinded down to a fine material that can be used for a base material under projects, for water filtration, or to fill in holes. It is not meant to be used as an additive to concrete mixture. If you are looking for "concrete sand near me" or "recycled concrete sand" visit Sand / Screenings.

Paver Sand/Screenings
Paver Sand near me may also be known as concrete sand, essentially this sand is coarse and paver sand uses are for laying pavers or bricks on to help stabilize and secure them for moving.

Mason Sand
Mason sand or mortar sand is similar to plaster sand, and can be used as a mixture additive to make a bond. It is a fine sand, unlike concrete sand. Mortar sand versus mason sand are the same material just different names based on state. The various names are due to regional differences and a lack of a universal industry name.

What are screenings?

When exploring "sand and screenings near me", consider what screenings gravel is and how it is used in construction. Screening sand, also known as stone dust, stone screenings, quarry dust, or grit, are the fine byproducts of the stone-crushing process. These smaller particles, pass through screens designed to separate larger stones leaving you with mixed grain size of ⅜ to dust, and are typically made from crushed limestone or granite. Screenings are durable and fine texture, making them ideal for leveling surfaces and finishing hardscapes and masonry projects. Screenings and sand can seem similar, but screenings tend to allow for better drainage, while sand retains water.

Granite screenings, also known as granite fines or DG (decomposed granite), are small particles of granite rock.

What are screenings used for?

Screenings are versatile materials derived from the fine byproducts of crushed stone and are used in a variety of applications. In hardscaping, they are commonly employed as a setting bed and joint filler for pavers, thanks to their ability to compact tightly and create a stable, non-porous layer that prevents moisture from seeping through and inhibits weed growth. However, their tendency to trap water can sometimes lead to issues with drainage and paver shifting, especially in colder climates where freeze-thaw cycles occur.

In equestrian settings, screenings are used as a surface layer for horse arenas, riding areas, and stalls due to their compatibility and stability, which provide a safe footing for animals. To prevent over-compaction, which can be detrimental to horses' hooves, screenings are often mixed with materials like ground rubber or sand.

Additionally, screenings find utility in a range of other applications. They can be used to build biking and hiking trails, create garden paths, and provide a smooth finishing layer for walkways and patios. They also serve as a mineral enhancer for soils and compost, a binding agent for asphalt and concrete in road work, and a fill material for various construction projects. Once considered waste, screenings are now recognized for their practical value in numerous landscaping, hardscaping, and agricultural projects.

Understanding Sand and Gravel

When discussing "what is sand made of", it's important to note that sand is primarily composed of small rock and mineral particles. The distinction between sand gravel and gravel is significant in construction, where both materials play essential roles. For instance, "what is sand gravel for concrete" refers to how this mixture enhances structural integrity.

Why Order from Gravelshop

If you're curious about "what is screenings gravel price" or looking for "screenings gravel near me", Gravelshop offers reliable, affordable, and quick delivery.

Use our Sand & Screenings Calculator to determine the quantity needed for your project.

Reliable Quality, Delivered Affordably - Your Project, Our Priority.