Originally a sidekick for the first Sandman (Wesley Dodds), Sanderson Hawkins fought crime as the unpowered "Sandy, the Golden Boy". Due to one of Dodd's failed experiments (a "silicoid gun"), Sandy was transformed into a silicon-based creature, and kept in suspended animation until a cure for his condition could be found.

Finally freed, and his humanity restored, Sandy discovered that he possessed numerous sand-based powers, including the ability to transform himself into sand and the ability to control silica compounds and manipulate seismic energy. Changing his name to Sand, he joined the Justice Society of America, serving as chairman for a short time. During that time he also received his mentor's prophetic dreams when Wesley Dodds chose to die instead of giving up the location of Doctor Fate.

His soul trapped in Dreamtime after he prevented numerous earthquakes, Sand was eventually rescued, and his return saw him even more powerful than before.

Joining the new Justice Society of America after the events of 52, Sand now has taken on the mantle of Sandman, and resembles his predecessor more than ever before.