Hard and brittle, silicon is a crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic luster. It is a metal greatly used as a semiconductor. Think “Silicon Valley.” You could not be reading this post without silicon. The picture here is 99% pure silicon derived in the laboratory. A French chemist discovered silicon 233 years ago.

Silicon makes up most of the rocks on our earth. Pure silicon does not exist on our earth, but combines with other elements to form an “oxide,” as in silicon dioxide. Quartz, agate and jasper are all forms of silicon dioxide.

We obtained some silicon specimens at a recent trade show and were captivated by is luster. Stop by one of future shows and enjoy silicon as well, in its pure form or as a beautiful oxide.