Sand comprises particles, or granules, ranging in diameter from 0.0625 (or 1⁄16 mm) to 2 millimeters. An individual particle in this range size is termed a sand grain. The next smaller size class in geology is silt: particles smaller than 0.0625 mm down to 0.004 mm in diameter. The next larger size class above sand is gravel, with particles ranging from 2 mm up to 64 mm (see particle size for standards in use). Sand feels gritty when rubbed between the fingers (silt, by comparison, feels like flour). Sand is commonly divided into five sub-categories based on size: very fine sand (1/16 – 1/8 mm diameter), fine sand (1/8 mm – 1/4 mm), medium sand (1/4 mm – 1/2 mm), coarse sand (1/2 mm – 1 mm), and very coarse sand (1 mm – 2 mm). These sizes are based on the Φ sediment size scale, where size in Φ = -log base 2 of size in mm. On this scale, for sand the value of Φ varies from -1 to +4, with the divisions between sub-categories at whole numbers.Sand is often a principal component of concrete.

Molding sand, also known as foundry sand, is moistened or oiled and then shaped into molds for sand casting. This type of sand must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressure, allow gases to escape, have a uniform, small grain size and be non-reactive with metals.

It is the principal component in glass manufacturing.

Graded sand is used as an abrasive in sandblasting and is also used in media filters for filtering water.

Brick manufacturing plants use sand as an additive with a mixture of clay and other materials for manufacturing bricks.

Sand is sometimes mixed with paint to create a textured finish for walls and ceilings or a non-slip floor surface.

Sandy soils are ideal for certain crops such as watermelons, peaches, and peanuts and are often preferred for intensive dairy farming because of their excellent drainage characteristics.

Sand is used in landscaping, it is added to make small hills and slopes (for example, constructing golf courses).

Beach nourishment – transportation to popular beaches where seasonal tides or artificial changes to the shoreline cause the original sand to flow out to sea.[1]

Sandbags are used for protection against floods and gun fire. They can be easily transported when empty, then filled with local sand.

Sand castle building is a popular activity. There are competitive sand castle building competitions (See sand art and play).

Sand animation is a type of performance art and a technique for creating animated films.

Aquaria are often lined with sand instead of gravel. This is a low cost alternative which some believe is better than gravel.

Railroads use sand to improve the traction of wheels on the rails.

sand bags

grit for chickens to digest food

art

playing

to improve traction on streets and sidewalks during storms

to make glass

to polish stones

in cement

as filler and base when laying stones and pavers

to fill concrete blocks when laying retaining walls

to turn a clay-like soil more porous

as planting medium for cactus

base to root cuttings

in making brick and man-made stone

I found a video on YouTube demonstrating sand-art. It was quite amazing.