What is the characteristic of unconsolidated saprolite?

Unconsolidated saprolite is a weathered rock material that retains some of the original rock characteristics but is typically soft and can be worked with relative ease compared to fully consolidated rock. This property makes it accessible for excavation with manual tools, such as a hand auger. The consistency and structure of unconsolidated saprolite allow for penetration without the need for heavy machinery or explosives, which are necessary for harder, consolidated materials. As a result, it is recognized for its suitability for excavation by hand, making it the correct choice in this context. Other characteristics, such as being hard to excavate, requiring blasting, or being specifically selected for foundation use, do not align with the inherent properties of unconsolidated saprolite, which is more straightforward to work with in comparison to rock that is more compact and solid.