Question

What are grains of sand made of?

Answer 1

Grains of sand are primarily made of mineral particles, the most common of which is quartz (silicon dioxide, or SiO2). Other common materials found in sand include feldspar, mica, and various rock fragments, as well as organic material in some areas. The specific composition of sand can vary depending on its source; for example, beach sand can contain a mix of minerals taken from eroded rocks or shells, while desert sand may derive from weathered sandstone. In general, the characteristics of the grains, such as size, shape, and color, can provide insights into their origins and the geological processes that created them.