These fascinating facts about silicone may surprise you.
1- It’s a huge component of our planet
Silicone is made up of the element silicon, which is the seventh most common element in the universe. Here on Earth, silicon is the second most prevalent element – only oxygen is more abundant. The Earth’s crust is particularly rich in silicon. Silicone is a synthetic compound of silicon and oxygen, hydrogen and carbon.
2- It’s extremely versatile
As a synthetic, silicone can be adapted to an incredible variety of applications. For example, it is of great value to the medical industry and can also be found in car polish, hair care products, and silicone moulding UK wide. To find out more, visit a specialist site such as https://www.meadex.co.uk/.
3- It’s been used for centuries
Silicon was first used many thousands of years ago, with ancient people using silica to create beautiful glass beads and decorative pieces. Later, in the Eighteenth Century, it was discovered that by separating the silicon and oxygen atoms present in the element, even more uses could be found for this amazing material. This was finally achieved in the 1820s when Swedish scientist Jons Berzelius first made purified silicon.
4- Silica is all around us
We’ve seen that silicon is a compound material, and the most common form that it takes is known as silica. Silica comprises one silicon atom with two oxygen atoms and is found in plants as well as minerals. Silica provides an important function in plants which draw it from the soil and use it to create microscopic phytoliths. The purpose of these is not yet fully understood, but scientists believe they could play a role in protecting or strengthening the plant.
5- It’s found in beautiful gems
As a popular component of many minerals, silicon is found in some of the Earth’s most beautiful gems and stones, including amethyst, agate, and onyx. This means that many of us will be wearing or enjoying an example of this amazing element every day, in the form of stunning jewellery or decorative home pieces.
