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What is Silicon Dioxide?

ornamental piece of clear quartz

Silicon Dioxide aka Silica

Silicon dioxide also known as silica is a chemical compound of two of the most abundant chemical elements in Earth's crust, silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2).  Made up of one atom of silicon and two of oxygen, the chemical formula for silicon dioxide is SiO2

Silicon dioxide is found most commonly in nature as the mineral quartz.  It's present in water, sand, animals, plants and soil.

Silicon dioxide exists in several crystalline forms, a number of cryptocrystalline forms and can also be non crystalline (amorphous).

In its purest form the crystalline form of silicon dioxide which is quartz, is colourless and transparent.  Various impurities cause many different colours.
text showing the difference between silicon and silicon dioxideFibrous varieties of crystalline silicon dioxide are generally known as chalcedony.  Examples include agate, onyx, bloodstone and carnelian. 

Silicon dioxide is widely used in industry because its melting point is higher than copper, iron and aluminium.  It's widely used in the production of glass, optical fibres and as a raw material in whiteware ceramics, stoneware, porcelain and industrial cement. It's also used in toothpaste because its hardness helps remove plaque.

As a food additive silicon dioxide protects dried foods from moisture and powdered foods from clumping or sticking together. 

The small white packets called silica gel often found with new merchandise contain grains of silicon dioxide.  These absorb moisture so protect the item they're packed with.

paper silica gel packets
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