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Silicon dioxide is fancy sand. It is known as quartz or silica. This fascinating substance can be found all around us and helps make our world what it is.
Silicon dioxide is incredibly strong and sturdy. It tolerates extreme heat and cold. This makes it useful for producing things such as glass and ceramics. Silicon dioxide, after all, is what rocks, sand and the dirt beneath your feet are made of.
Silicon dioxide is capable of many things. It is one kind of mineral raw material to make glass for windows, bottles and another glass product. It is also used in producing computer chips and other electronic equipment. Did you know it’s even in toothpaste to help make your teeth shiny and clean?
Silicon dioxide makes our buildings strong and safe. It is mixed into paints to help them last longer. Even our smartphones and tablets contain silicon dioxide to keep the screens clear and relatively scratch-free.
Silicon dioxide occurs in nature as a stunning crystal. And those crystals are like treasure buried in the rocks and caves. Silicon dioxide is also present in plants like more grains and grasses, which it helps to stay strong and healthy.
Silicon dioxide isn’t just for making things: It’s in what we eat and the products we use. It prevents powdery foods like spices and soup mixes from sticking together. In cosmetics, silicon dioxide helps to absorb oil and gives a product a silky feel.
