Identification: Quartz sand is a loose, unconsolidated material of small grain size composed primarily of the mineral quartz. Quartz is crystalline silica, SiO2, and may be of any color though generally in Florida quartz sand is colorless or white. Regardless of color, however, the streak is always white. Gravel is crystalline silica larger than 2 millimeters in diameter. The specific gravity of quartz is 2.65 and the hardness is 7.0

Occurrence: Though quartz sand is the most abundant surface material in the state of Florida, the deposits are not extensively developed. Gravel typically occurs as river deposits.

Use: Quartz sand is used for making glass and for grinding and polishing metals. Others uses are as molding sand, blast sand, filler sand and fill sand. Gravel is used in concrete products, as filtration material, road base, asphalt additive, and for decorative purposes.