 Discovery Information |
| Who:
Jons Berzelius
|
| When: 1823 |
| Where: Sweden |
|
| Name Origin |
| Greek: thallos (young shoot) from a bright-green line in its spectrum. |
|
| Sources |
| Silicon is the second most abundant element and comprises 25.7% of the earth's crust (oxygen is first). Makes up major portion of clay, granite, feldspar, mica, asbestos, quartz (SiO2), and sand. |
|
| Uses |
| Used in glass as silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is used as a semiconductor to make microchips for electronics (like your computer). Silicon is also used in solar cells, tools, cement, LCDs, grease and oils. |
|
| Notes |
| Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the hardest substances known. |
| A serious lung disease known as silicosis often occurred in miners, stonecutters, and others who were engaged in work where siliceous dust was inhaled in great quantities. |
