Silt differs from clay and sand primarily in its particle size and tactile feel.
Silt, clay, and sand are distinct types of soil particles classified mainly by their size. This difference in size gives them unique characteristics, including how they feel and behave.
Based on the provided reference, here's how they compare:
Particle Size Differences
- Sand particles are the largest. They have a diameter ranging from 2.00 to 0.05 mm.
- Silt particles are smaller than sand but larger than clay, measuring 0.05 to 0.002 mm.
- Clay particles are the smallest of the three, with diameters smaller than 0.002 mm.
This size gradient means that sand is coarse, silt is intermediate, and clay is extremely fine.
Tactile Differences
The size difference also affects how the particles feel when touched, as described in the reference:
- Sand particles feel gritty when rubbed between your fingers.
- Silt particles, being much smaller than sand, feel similar to flour when dry.
- The reference doesn't explicitly state how clay feels, but its extremely fine nature typically results in a smooth, sometimes sticky feel when wet.
Here's a summary in a table format:
| Particle Type | Size Range (mm) | Feel (Based on Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 2.00 to 0.05 | Gritty |
| Silt | 0.05 to 0.002 | Similar to flour (when dry) |
| Clay | Smaller than 0.002 | Not specified |
In essence, the key difference lies in their size, with silt occupying the middle ground between the coarse sand and the very fine clay, which directly impacts their feel and other properties.
