How are silt particles described in terms of their visibility and texture?

Silt particles are very small and fall between sand and clay in terms of size. They are generally too small to be seen with the naked eye, making them essentially invisible in a typical visual assessment. However, when it comes to texture, silt does have a distinct feel; it is often described as having a smooth or soapy texture when wet. This characteristic allows for some tactile differentiation from other soil types, although the size and visibility make them less prominent than larger particles like sand.

The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of silt. For instance, referring to silt as "sticky" would be misleading since that is more closely associated with clay, which has adhesive properties. Notably, describing it as "visible and rough" overlooks its small size and smooth texture. Lastly, calling silt "large and grainy" does not align with its actual small particle size and the fact that it does not exhibit a grainy texture like sand does.