Sandustry: Elements and Matter States Physical Reactions Guide

Granular Solids and Transportable Minerals

Standard Sand, byproduct Slag, calcined Cinder, and botanical Seed units exist as dry solids — while rare crystals require high-tier synthesis in the flux emanator and aura guide. These granular elements move reliably along horizontal conveyor tracks, can be propelled vertically by mechanical launchers, and can be mined using equipment from the tools and excavation guide.

Slushy Compounds and Liquid Behavior

When dry sand contacts liquid Water, it converts into Wet Sand, characterized as a heavy slushy compound that sinks to basin floors. Similarly, botanical Spore grains combine with water to produce Wet Spore units, which form the necessary input for cultivating planter boxes.

Thermal Dynamics: Lava, Steam, and Obsidian

Molten Lava represents a hazardous, highly fluid liquid capable of melting surrounding materials. When lava touches water, the sudden thermal shock triggers the Lava + Water reaction, flashing liquid water into expanding Steam while chilling molten lava into dense Obsidian stone.

Crystalline Freezing and Solid Bedrock

Cold temperatures cause liquid water to solidify into Ice blocks, creating stable platforms that can be mined or melted back into liquid when heated (as applied in the water generation and ice melting guide). At the lowest boundaries of the world lies Bedrock, an indestructible solid block layer immune to standard player tools and environmental heat, providing permanent foundations for heavy machinery.

Managing Volatile States and Gas Containment

Uncontrolled thermal reactions frequently produce excess steam that expands rapidly across open factory floors. Enclosing boiling zones with thick diagonal foundation blocks traps rising steam, utilizing the reinforced construction rules covered in the foundations and containment blocks guide. Using liquid vents and automated filter gates ensures that liquids and solids remain strictly separated, avoiding unexpected chemical cross-reactions.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Classify excavated resources by matter state to determine appropriate conveyor or pipe routing.
2. Mix dry sand with liquid water to produce dense wet sand for shaker processing.
3. Isolate molten lava within containment chambers to avoid accidental water contact.
4. Direct expanding steam through sealed channels to prevent factory atmosphere pressure drops.
5. Anchor heavy multi-tier factories directly above solid bedrock foundation strata.