Clays that turn almost liquid on remolding are probably near or above the liquid limit. If the clay remains stiff and crumbles upon being remolded, the natural water content is below the plastic limit. The term texture, as applied to the fine-grained portion of a soil, refers to the degree of fineness and uniformity. The texture is described by such expressions as floury, smooth, gritty, or sharp, depending upon the sensation produced by rubbing the soil between the fingers. Sensitivity to this sensation may be increased by rubbing some of the material on a tender skin area such as the wrist.
Fine sand feels gritty.
Typical dry silts will dust readily and feel relatively soft and silky to the touch. Clay soils are powdered only with difficulty but become smooth and gritless like flour. Integrated Publishing's Official Web Page Click here for a current index of everything on this web site. All Rights Reserved.