Natural sand proppants are small grains of sand used in the oil and gas industry during hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. They help keep fractures in rock formations open, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely. These proppants are typically sourced from high-quality sand deposits, which are processed to ensure uniform size and strength. The effectiveness of natural sand proppants depends on their size, shape, and strength. They are often preferred over synthetic alternatives due to their lower cost and availability. Proper selection of proppants is crucial for optimizing production in oil and gas extraction processes.