A non-metallic chemical element belonging to the carbon family of elements.
Silicon, denoted by the atomic symbol Si, is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, and the most abundant element is oxygen. Silicon does not occur in nature in its elemental form. Silicon is present in almost all rocks in combination with oxygen to form silica. When silicon combines with other elements such as iron, aluminium or potassium, silicate is formed. In addition, silicon compounds are present in the atmosphere, natural waters, numerous plants, and the bodies of some animals. Silicon is the primary material used in the manufacture of computer chips, transistors, silicon diodes, and other electronic circuits and switching devices due to its atomic structure, which makes this element an optimal semiconductor. Silicon is often doped, or mixed, with other elements, including boron, phosphorus, and arsenic, to modify its conductive properties.
