# How to Crush Sand
The composition of sand can differ depending on rock formations and where the sand originated. The common ingredient in sand is silica, in the form of quartz. While sand is generally thought of as a playground or beach filler, crushed sand is a valuable ingredient in many commercial applications. Gold prospectors routinely crush sand when mining for gold deposits. While gold miners use mortars and pestles to crush sand, manufacturers such as glass makers use massive industrial presses to crush sand into fine granules.
Things You'll Need
- Mortar and pestle
- Screen
- Recovery bowl
Instructions
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Pour just enough sand into the mortar to cover the bottom. Adding too much will cause the pestle to push the sand against itself, forcing it out and over the side of the mortar.
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2
Use the pestle to grind the sand particles in a downward motion, breaking the sand into smaller pieces. Use a circular motion to crush the sand into even smaller pieces.
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3
Place the screen on the top of the recovery bowl. Pour the crushed sand into the bowl. The screen will filter out any minerals that you deem valuable. The leftover crushed sand can be used in applications such as sand blasting, glass making and concrete.
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