'''Silica''', or silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) is a common chemical component on the surface of the earth, formed naturally when oxygen comes into contact with oxygen. It is a principle component in [[glass]], and [[cement]]. It absorbs water, making it useful in food preservation and when pure, can be used in electronics as an [[electrical insulator]], as it prevents the flow of electric current. When [[covalent bonds]] form a lattice, [[quartz]] is created. | '''Silica''', or silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) is a common chemical component on the surface of the earth, formed naturally when oxygen comes into contact with oxygen. It is a principle component in [[glass]], and [[cement]]. It absorbs water, making it useful in food preservation and when pure, can be used in electronics as an [[electrical insulator]], as it prevents the flow of electric current. When [[covalent bonds]] form a lattice, [[quartz]] is created. |