Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. Silicon is primarily known for its role in technology and electronics, as it is a key component in semiconductor manufacturing.
Located in group 14 of the periodic table, silicon is found beneath carbon (C) and above germanium (Ge). It is abundant in nature, primarily in the form of silicon dioxide (SiO2), commonly known as quartz. Silicon accounts for about 27.7% of the Earth’s crust, making it the second most abundant element after oxygen.
In its pure form, silicon is a gray, metallic-looking solid that is brittle. However, when combined with other elements, it forms various compounds that are essential in many applications—ranging from glass to ceramics, and most importantly, the microchips and solar cells that power modern technology. Its unique electronic properties make it suitable for use in transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.