Silica

Intermediate 🏥 Healthcare / Medical

Definition

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), a hard, colorless compound that occurs naturally in sand, quartz, and many rocks. It's one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and is used in glass, ceramics, and electronics.

Example Usage

Beach sand is primarily composed of silica particles.

Origin

From Latin silex, meaning flint or hard stone.

Fun Fact

Silica is so common that it makes up about 12% of the Earth's crust by weight.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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