Sand, gravel, and grit are primarily composed of what type of materials?

Sand, gravel, and grit are primarily composed of inorganic materials, which is why selecting this answer is appropriate. Inorganic materials are defined as those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, typically including elements and minerals such as silicon, oxygen, and various metals.

In the context of sand and gravel, these materials are often sourced from the weathering of rocks and minerals, leading to their formation from natural inorganic substances. For instance, sand is primarily composed of finely-grained minerals such as quartz (silicon dioxide), while gravel can include larger aggregates made from a mix of minerals.

The other types of materials listed, such as organic materials, are biological in origin and contain carbon, which is characteristic of living organisms or their byproducts. Biodegradable materials also encompass organic compounds that can be broken down by biological processes, while hazardous materials typically refer to substances that pose risks to health or the environment, which is not applicable in the context of basic construction aggregates like sand and gravel. Therefore, focusing on the inorganic nature of these components accurately identifies their primary composition.