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Did you know that silica is one of the most abundant compounds on earth? Millions of years of existence sure have made a mark to character of this important mineral. In many ways, silica has been equivalent to health and better quality of life. With that, there are many trivial things that you must know about silica and quartz. First, do you know that quartz is a crystalline form of silica? Silica is a compound formed by the combination of silicon and oxygen, two of the most abundant elements on earth. Quartz is formed through a lengthy process involving heat and pressure. As they are buried deep into the earth or sometimes washed through streambeds and down from higher grounds after being dislodged, elements of silicon and water combine. It takes 10,000 years to form. It forms deep within the earth's core. In ancient traditions, quartz is claimed as the "veils of the earth" as it resembles frozen earth or frozen light. Quartz is usually found near old. Though quartz can be found all over the world, larger volumes of quartz crystals are mined in Arkansas and Brazil. Silica, when subjected through varying conditions of heat and pressure forms certain varieties of silicates. The combination of silicon and oxygen (SiO2) forms the simplest silicate. It acquires a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale. As a crystalline mineral stone, it forms a hexagonal structure with void spaces in the geometric trails throughout the crystal. On the other hand, quartz presents the most common mineral found on earth. Just like other crystal stones, it is formed through repetitive addition of new matter to its growing crystal mass. Its origin can be traced in the magma or fiery gases of the earth's interior or in the volcanic lava streams that reach the earth's surface. The regularity of its crystal structure is established as the molten rock cools and allows the atoms to group together. Hence, it forms from igneous rocks. Silica quartz is also used in certain industries including mining, electronics and medicine. With mining, it is seen as a serious health hazard. However, the health issues surrounding this mineral stone relate to its respirable fraction. Silica sand or minute particles of silica can potentially become air borne and generate respirable dust containing silica crystals. Exposure to these hazards may cause inflammation to lung tissues. Preventive measures are now implemented to gain protection against this occupational hazard. While everything that we know about silica is centered on its physical properties, let us now dig into its biochemical properties. Did you know that silica is one of the minerals present in our body and in our food? Silica occurs ubiquitously in the environment and has been used in various medical applications for many years. It is found present in potatoes, milk, drinking water particularly mineral water and beer. There are small amount of silica that is found in the body. Most of which are found in body tissues such as the tendons and ligaments. It is also found in the nails, hair and skin. Also, the acid form of silica is a normal constituent of urine. In the future, expect to know more things about silica. As one of earth's most versatile elements, it presents and interesting subject of research for both industrial and health fields.
Silica is not a new drug made by some big pharmaceutical company, it is made by mother earth. Silica is an essential element in the Earth and as we are beginning to realize that it is just as vital to our health, and should be taken like any other vitamin.
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