The difference and characteristics between sea sand and river sand

River sand is cement standard sand, which is mostly used in construction, concrete, cementitious materials, road construction materials, artificial marble, cement physical properties test materials (i.e. cement standard sand), etc. Sea sand is the main raw material for machinery and foundry sand, grinding materials (sandblasting, hard grinding paper, sandpaper, emery cloth, etc.). At present, one of the main uses of sea sand is as a filler for engineering construction, especially land reclamation projects. How to distinguish sea sand from river sand? Xingaonai will compare you from 4 aspects.

1. Compare from the specifications

The river sand used in construction has certain specifications. In the process of river sand screening, it is generally divided into river sand 4-8 mesh, river sand 8-16 mesh, river sand 10-20 mesh, river sand 20-40 mesh, river sand 40-70 mesh, river sand 50-100 mesh, etc. This refers to the number of sand particles within a one-inch circular range. Sea sand does not have such a fine and clear rule classification.

2. Difference in the feel

Grab a handful of sand and hold it in your hand and pat it off. If you find that it is sticky and you can't pat it clean, it is sea sand, which has a sticky feel. If it is not sticky, it is river sand.

3. Difference in taste

This is the simplest and stupidest way. Taste it and find that it is not salty if it is river sand, and salty if it is sea sand. At present, there are also many sea sands that have been desalinated. We can soak the sand in water for a period of time and taste the water. The salty and astringent one is sea sand.

4. Difference in ingredients

The main component of sea sand is silicon dioxide, the crystal phase is mainly quartz, the feldspar and rock debris particles are relatively small, the content of mica flakes is even less, and the roundness is also very good. The silicon content of river sand is lower, and the metal ions such as calcium and aluminum are more, and the content of mica flakes will be a lot. But this is just the overall average situation, sometimes there are exceptions, and it is difficult to have specific quantitative indicators. The Ministry of Construction pointed out in the regulations on the management of construction sand that sea sand must be purified to meet the requirements before it can be used. For reinforced concrete, the chloride ion content of sea sand should not be greater than 0.06%. However, in order to save costs, many construction units currently use sea sand that has not been desalinated. Therefore, when buying sand, you must carefully identify it to avoid being deceived.