Hydrophobic sand

The Boy Mechanic states waterproof sand was invented by East Indian magicians.

[2] Magic sand was originally developed to trap ocean oil spills near the shore.

This was done by sprinkling magic sand on floating petroleum, which would then mix with the oil and make it heavy enough to sink.

Hydrophobic sand has also been tested by utility companies in Arctic regions as a foundation for junction boxes, as it never freezes.

Upon exposure, the trimethylsilanol compound bonds to the silica particles while forming water.