Fine aggregate is generally classified as the portion that passes 1/4" sieve. Together with coarse aggregate, they provide a dense framework. Natural fine aggregate is obtained from the finer fraction of sand and gravel deposits. The sand was deposited by running or moving water in river, shore, or glacial environment. Increasingly, manufactured fine aggregate is being used. Manufactured sand is either a byproduct of coarse aggregate crushing, or is crushed specifically for the purpose.
The quality of the sand is a function of the materials it contains. In the case of natural aggregate, the quality of sand particles depend on the alluvial source material; for manufactured fine aggregate, the quality is function of the rock source.
View of sand pit in Leamington, ON
