A proppant is a material used in hydraulic fracturing, a technique employed in the extraction of oil and natural gas. Proppants are typically small, solid particles that help keep fractures in rock formations open, allowing oil or gas to flow more freely. Common materials used as proppants include sand, ceramic beads, and resin-coated particles. The effectiveness of a proppant depends on its size, shape, and strength. When injected into the fractures created during the fracking process, proppants prevent the fractures from closing, ensuring that the hydrocarbons can be efficiently extracted. This makes proppants a crucial component in the overall success of hydraulic fracturing operations.