The Hidden Identity Of Sand

Sand is not a single material, but rather a measurement of size. It describes tiny mineral grains that are larger than silt but smaller than gravel, regardless of what they are made of.

Because sand is defined by grain size rather than chemistry, it can be composed of almost anything from crushed shells and volcanic glass to colorful gemstones. This means sand from different parts of the world can contain completely different minerals. It is essentially nature’s way of sorting the Earth's crumbling crust into a consistent, powdery texture.