mineral
Silicon
Crystalline Silicon (Si)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Metallic silver-grey to bluish-black; Luster: Submetallic to vitreous; Crystal structure: Cubic (Diamond cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 2.33
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Metallic silver-grey to bluish-black
- Luster
- Submetallic to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Metallic silver-grey to bluish-black; Luster: Submetallic to vitreous; Crystal structure: Cubic (Diamond cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 2.33
Formation & geological history
While silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, pure crystalline specimens like this are almost always synthetic, produced via the reduction of high-purity silica in electric arc furnaces.
Uses & applications
Primary component of semiconductors, solar cells, microchips, and various electronic components. Also used as an alloying agent in aluminum and steel production.
Geological facts
Pure silicon is a semiconductor, meaning its electrical conductivity is between that of a metal and an insulator. It was first isolated as a pure element in 1824 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight (low density) relative to its metallic appearance, brittle texture, and characteristic bluish-silver sheen. It will scratch glass but is very fragile.
