SiO2 (Silica)

Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicon and oxygen atoms arranged in a crystalline or granular form. It is a fundamental component of sand, quartz, and many rocks. Silica is known for its hardness and high melting point, making it valuable in construction, glass-making, and electronics. It is also present in many everyday products like concrete, ceramics, and dental materials. Silica's stable, non-reactive nature and durability make it essential in industrial applications and as a building block of the Earth's crust.