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