No, play sand is not the same as coarse sand.
Play sand and coarse sand differ significantly, primarily in their texture and grain size. While both are types of sand, they are processed and graded differently for various uses.
Key Differences in Sand Texture and Grain Size
Based on distinctions in composition and use, the primary difference lies in the texture and grain size of the sand:
- Play Sand: Play sand is specifically processed to be uniformly fine and smooth. Its grains are small and consistent in size, making it soft and safe for children's play areas like sandboxes.
- Coarse Sand: In contrast, sands described as coarse (such as garden sand mentioned in the reference) are coarser with varied grain sizes. This means the individual sand grains are larger and less uniform than those found in play sand.
Essentially, the smooth, fine quality of play sand is its defining characteristic, setting it apart from the larger, more varied grains found in coarse sand.
