Originally the Sand Creature was formed by an experiment that rid the Earth of all forms of Kryptonite. This extra-dimensional being gained his shape from an impression Superman made in the sand.
The Sand Creature was responsible for siphoning of a portion of Superman‘s powers, but also absorbed some of Superman’s nobility, and after many encounters with Superman, ended up going back to his home dimension of Quarrm after he was confronted by the possible destruction that he and Superman could wreck on the Earth in a dream vision given to them both by Diana Prince‘s mentor, I-Ching. He returned once to face Superman and Captain Marvel, with the help of Black Adam.
After Flashpoint, the Sand Creature reappeared in Futures Ends as a being capable of giving to others the powers of Superman and inciting him to return to action.
He reappeared in Superman #46, as a receptacle of the stolen superpowers of Superman. The depowered Superman was capable of defeating him by forcing him to use his heat vision causing his own crystalizing.