Home > Term: silica
silica
The chemically resistant dioxide of silicon, SiO2; occurs naturally as five crystalline polymorphs: trigonal and hexagonal quartz, orthorhombic and hexagonal tridymite, tetragonal and isometric cristobalite, monoclinic coesite, and tetragonal stishovite. Also occurs as cryptocrystalline chalcedony, hydrated opal, the glass lechatelierite, skeletal material in diatoms and other living organisms, and fossil skeletal material in diatomite and other siliceous accumulations. Also occurs with other chemical elements in silicate minerals.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Mining
- Category: General mining; Mineral mining
- Government Agency: USBM
0
Creator
- ed.young
- 100% positive feedback
(Milwaukee, United States)