Hiekkasta

Hiekkasta is the Finnish term for sand, the granular material that forms a major part of many landscapes and human-made environments. In geology and geomorphology, sand consists of mineral particles typically ranging from 0.0625 to 2 millimeters in diameter. The most common component is silica in the form of quartz, but sands may also include feldspar, mica, carbonates, and other minerals. The color of sand varies with its mineral content and can be white, yellow, red, brown, or even black.

Sand forms through the weathering and fragmentation of rocks, followed by transport by wind, rivers, and waves. As energy levels decrease, the grains are deposited in specific environments such as beaches, dunes, riverbanks, deserts, and inland sand plains. Transport and deposition processes lead to sorting and rounding of grains, which influence the texture and stability of sand beds.

Physically, sand has relatively high porosity and permeability, meaning it can hold air and water in its voids and allow fluids to move through it. These properties make sand a common building material (in concrete and mortar), a key component in glassmaking (silica sand), and a familiar medium for recreational use, including playgrounds and beaches.

Health and environmental considerations include the potential hazards of silica dust when sand is processed in industrial settings, as well as ecological concerns related to dune systems and sand mining. In Finland, sandy soils and beaches are characteristic of many coastal areas, reflecting glacial and coastal processes that shape the landscape.