Quartz Sand

Quartz sand is a siliciclastic sediment dominated by quartz grains in the Wentworth sand range, 0.0625 to 2 mm. Quartz wins out on most temperate and many tropical beaches because it is hard, near Mohs 7, and chemically stable, so it survives repeated abrasion and chemical weathering that destroy feldspar and lithic grains. Mature quartz sand is well-sorted and well-rounded, a sign of long transport and reworking. It contrasts with intrabasinal bioclastic and carbonate sand, which form in place from skeletal debris. Beach quartz sand is the main store and conduit of the littoral sediment budget along siliciclastic coasts.