Silicon is widely distributed, occurring in silica and silicates, but never uncombined. Silicon is obtained commercially by heating sand and coke in an electric furnace. A purified silicon is used in the preparation of silicones . Silica is widely used in the production of glass . Silicates in the form of clay are used in pottery, brick, tile, and other ceramics.
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.
Discovery of the element is usually credited to J. J. Berzelius, who in 1824 prepared fairly pure amorphous silicon. Listing from Electric Library , a pay service. Copyright 2001 Infonautics Corporation . All rights reserved. In the nation's mecca of technology, they say they've learned to stop worrying and love the crash.