Silica

Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is a common chemical component on the surface of the earth, formed naturally when oxygen comes into contact with oxygen. It is a principle component in glass, and cement. It absorbs water, making it useful in food preservation and when pure, can be used in electronics as an electrical insulator, as it prevents the flow of electric current. When covalent bonds form a lattice, quartz is created.

See also[edit]

• Aerogel