SILICA Meaning and
Definition
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Silica is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed primarily of silicon and oxygen. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in various forms, such as quartz, sand, and flint. Silica has a wide range of applications and is commonly used in various industrial processes.
From a chemical perspective, silica is a chemical compound with the formula SiO2. It is composed of two oxygen atoms bonded to a single silicon atom, forming a tetrahedral structure. This arrangement gives silica its unique physical and chemical properties, including its hardness, transparency, and resistance to high temperatures.
Silica has numerous industrial applications due to its versatile properties. It is commonly used in the production of glass, ceramics, and cement. Its high melting point and low coefficient of thermal expansion make it an ideal material for the manufacturing of refractory bricks, crucibles, and molds. Silica is also extensively used as an abrasive in sandblasting and as a component in various filtration systems, such as water filters and industrial air filters.
In addition to its industrial uses, silica has important biological roles. It is a vital component of many living organisms, including diatoms (microscopic single-celled algae) and certain plants. Silica is involved in the formation of their cell walls, providing structural support and protection. It is also found in some dietary supplements, as it is believed to have potential health benefits, such as promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails.
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Dioxide of silicon, silicic anhydride, SiO2.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In chem., the earth of flints; a substance constituting the characteristic ingredient of a great variety of minerals, such as rock-crystal, quartz, and flint which is almost pure silex.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of SILICA
The word "silica" comes from the Latin word "silex", which means "flint" or "hard stone". In Latin, "silex" was used to refer to any hard stone or rock material, but it gradually became associated specifically with a type of stone composed mostly of silicon dioxide, which we now call silica. The term was later adopted in English as "silica" to refer to the compound silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and a major component of rocks like quartz and sand.
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