The element with atomic number 14 naturally occurs in silicate minerals, including silica, feldspar, and mica, which are major components of common rocks such as quartz and sandstone. A semi-metal (or metalloid), silicon possesses some properties of both metals and non-metals.
Like water - but unlike most metals - silicon contracts in its liquid state and expands as it solidifies. It has relatively high melting and boiling points, and when crystallized forms a diamond cubic crystal structure. Critical to silicon's role as a semiconductor and its use in electronics is the element's atomic structure, which includes four valence electrons that allow silicon to bond with other elements readily.
Properties
Atomic Symbol: Si
Atomic Number: 14
Element Category: Metalloid
Density: 2.329g/cm3
Melting Point: 2577°F (1414°C)
Boiling Point: 5909°F (3265°C)
Moh's Hardness: 7
