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Sil′i-ca.

An oxide of silicon, having the formula Si2O4. It occurs nearly pure in quartz rock, chalcedony, flint, and in various other more or less impure forms constitutes an important part of the earth's crust.

Its economic uses are various and important, as in the form of sand, for making mortar, glass, and artificial stone. The sandstones, principally composed of silex, are largely employed in building, and, in combination with alumina and other minerals, it forms granite and many other rocks which are universally diffused over the earth's surface.

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