The symbol for silicone is Si, its atomic number is 14. It is less reactive than carbon.
Silicon is the eighth most common element in the universe by mass, but very rarely occurs as the pure free element in nature.
Silicon is present in the sun and stars. Silicon makes up 25.7% of the earth's crust by weight, and is the second most abundant element, exceeded only by oxygen. It is found largely as silicon oxides such as sand (silica), quartz, rock crystal, amethyst, agate, flint, jasper and opal.
Silicon has many industrial uses. It is a principal component in microchips. Silicon is widely used in semiconductors because it remains a semiconductor at higher temperatures and forms a better semiconductor/dielectric interface than any other material.
I chose Silicon too! I wanted to share that silicon is also needed in our bodies in trace amounts to process plant foods. I just thought I would share that tidbit of information with you since I found it interesting and since you are a fellow veg-head. =)
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