Frequently
Asked Questions

1. Why is Cherry Stone Traction Grit better than just sand?
   
   Grit contains a larger, more “one sized” particle distribution; this will give you more traction – on either a weight or volume basis – than smaller sized sand. Sand is typically a finer grained material, rounded in shape, and often containing small amounts of clay. Cherry Stone Traction Grit is crushed which makes it angular in shape and better able to grip slick surfaces.
   
   
   
2. Is the Traction Grit safe for the environment?
   
   Yes! Cherry Stone Grit is environmentally safe and is a good alternative to salt or chemicals.
   
   
   
3. Can quartzite (the mineral component of Cherry Stone Grit) harm pets or plants?
   
   No, quartzite is not poisonous or otherwise dangerous to plants or animals. Quartzite is chemically inert and won’t react with salt or other common household chemicals.
   
   
4. Why should we reconsider salt based de-icers?
   
   De-icing chemicals (salt based de-icers) work by lowering the freezing point of water. Normally, 15° to 20° F is considered the lower limit for salt. If de-icing is necessary at lower temperatures, more salt is needed and melting will take much longer. For all practical purposes salt stops working at about 7° F. De-icing chemicals are highly soluble and follow any water flow. They are also highly corrosive and can be damaging to concrete walks and vehicles. Even relatively small amounts of chloride will significantly accelerate existing corrosion not to mention harm plants and create poor growing soils over time.
   
   
5. What size bags does Cherry Stone Traction Grit come in?
   
   Cherry Stone Traction Grit #2 comes in easy-to-tote 25 pound bags. Cherry Stone Grits are also packaged in multi-wall paper bags in all four sizes.
   
   
   
6. Does Cherry Stone Grit come in different sizes?
   
   Yes, Cherry Stone Grit – in the 50 pound paper bags – is offered in four sizes, #1 (1/16”); #2 (3/16”); #3 (5/16”); and #4 (3/8”). Cherry Stone Traction Grit – in the 25 pound easy to tote plastic bags – is size #2 (3/16”).
   
   
   
7. What other uses are there for Cherry Stone Traction Grit besides for winter uses?
   
   Our unique pea-sized lavender colored rocks can be used in: Flower pot drainage, Aquariums, Hobby crafts, Decorative purposes, Stabilizing earthen walks and paths, Lining and ballasting barbecue grills and much, much more!
   
   
   
8. Can I buy larger size quartzite rock for landscaping my lawn and garden?
   
   Yes, New Ulm Quartzite (distinctive for its purple and pink color) is available at many landscape supply outlets throughout the Midwest. The size most common for landscape purposes is 1-1/2”. We even sell large boulders that can make fun and interesting landscape features!
   
   
   
9. What is quartzite?
   
   Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone. Quartzite is over 90% silica. Silica is the most abundant element found on earth. The remaining minerals comprising quartzite are iron (which gives quartzite the red to purple color), alumina, and other trace elements commonly found in most rocks.
   
   
   
10. Can quartzite (silica) dust be dangerous to breathe?
    
    Ordinarily, the small amounts of dust present when sprinkling Cherry Stone Traction Grit on walkways won’t create a health risk.
    
    
    
11. How did Cherry Stone Grit get started?
    
    New Ulm Quartzite Quarries began bagging and selling grit over 40 years ago to serve area poultry farmers. All birds need to ingest small rocks to aid in digestion. Small rocks act like food grinders in a bird’s stomach. Turkeys raised in the Midwest and Canada have been eating New Ulm Quartzite Cherry Stone Grit since the 1950’s. It’s likely that the bird you were served at Thanksgiving was raised on Cherry Stone Grit!
    
    
    
    If you should have any other questions or would like to offer suggestions please contact us at: