What are the three types of sand?

The three main types of sand are often classified by origin, grain size, or use, and different industries define them differently. In geology, the three broad categories by composition are quartz sand which is the most common light colored sand made of silica, feldspar sand which is pinkish and less durable, and biogenic or calcareous sand made from crushed shells, coral, and marine organisms found in tropical beaches. In construction and building, the three common types are concrete sand or sharp sand which is coarse and gritty for mixing concrete, masonry sand or soft sand which is finer for mortar and bricklaying, and fill sand which is fine and used for leveling and filling. Another common three type classification is by grain size, fine sand from 0.075 to 0.425 millimeters, medium sand from 0.425 to 2 millimeters, and coarse sand from 2 to 4.75 millimeters. In playground and landscape use, you hear play sand which is washed and safe for kids, river sand which is naturally rounded and washed, and bank sand which is unwashed. So while there are many classifications, the most educational breakdown is quartz, feldspar, and biogenic sand by composition.