Ränikivimitsilicon

Ränikivimitsilicon, often shortened to silicon, is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. In its pure form, silicon is a hard, brittle, crystalline solid with a blue-gray metallic luster. It is the second most abundant element in Earth's crust, making up about 28% by weight, primarily found in the form of silica and silicates.

Silicon is a crucial component in many industries. Its semiconducting properties make it indispensable in the electronics industry, forming the basis of transistors, integrated circuits, and solar cells. This has led to its widespread use in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. In metallurgy, silicon is used as an alloying agent to improve the properties of metals like aluminum and iron. Silicones, a family of synthetic polymers containing silicon-oxygen chains, are used in a vast array of products, including sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical implants, and cookware, due to their stability and resistance to extreme temperatures and moisture.

The production of silicon typically involves the carbothermal reduction of silicon dioxide (silica) in an electric arc furnace. High-purity silicon, known as semiconductor-grade silicon, is further purified through processes like the Siemens process or the fluidized bed reactor process to meet the stringent requirements of the electronics industry. Silicon is also a vital element for life, though its biological role is less understood than that of other elements. It is found in many plants, where it contributes to structural integrity, and has been detected in trace amounts in humans.