Complex sentence: For the purposes of this discussion, Silicon in this context can be thought of as "powdered sand", and any Silicon that is added to aluminum at above a 12% content will retain a distinct granular form instead of melting.
Split into simpler sentences: For the purposes of this discussion, silicon in this context can be thought of as "powdered sand". Any silicon that is added to aluminium above a 12% content will retain a distinct granular form instead of melting.