Overview
Silicon is a hard, brittle metalloid essential for electronics and forms the basis of silicate minerals.
Properties
It has semiconducting properties, forms strong covalent bonds and is stable at high temperatures in many forms.
Occurrence and Uses
Abundant in sand and rock, silicon is refined for microelectronics, solar cells and structural materials like glass and concrete.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Si 28, Si 29 and Si 30; crystalline silicon is inert but fine particulate silica poses inhalation risks and requires controls.