Wearsand

Wearsand is a term used to describe sand that has been used for a specific purpose, often involving friction or abrasion, and consequently has altered physical characteristics. This alteration can include changes in grain shape, size, and surface texture. For example, sand that has been subjected to repeated impact in a sandblasting operation may become more rounded and less angular. Similarly, sand used in industrial milling processes can be worn down into finer particles.

The term "wearsand" is not a formal geological classification but rather a functional descriptor. Its meaning can vary depending on the context. In some instances, it might refer to sand that has been naturally worn down by water or wind over long periods, resulting in smooth, rounded grains. In other cases, it specifically denotes sand that has been artificially abraded through mechanical means. The properties of wearsand, such as its friability and particle morphology, are important considerations in applications where the sand's behavior under stress is critical. Its composition can remain the same as the original sand, but its physical form is altered.