What is Silicon? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Silicon Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Silicon is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element classified as one of the Metalloids has the properties of both metals and Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical charge making them useful in calculators and computers. For additional facts and information refer to Silicon Properties.

The Discovery of Silicon
Silicon was  was first identified by Antoine Lavoisier in 1787. Humphry Davy thought in 1800 that silica is an element, not a compound, and in 1808 suggested the present name. Re-discovered by Jons Berzelius in 1823. Silicon resembles Carbon in many respects. It can be obtained in several allotropic forms, corresponding to those of carbon. The crystallized form is very hard, and is inactive toward reagents. The amorphous variety has, in general, properties more similar to charcoal.

Antoine Lavoisier
Antoine Lavoisier was famous for his care in quantitative experiments, for demonstrating the true nature of combustion, for introducing system into the naming and grouping of chemical substances. Lavoisier was executed in 1794 during the French Revolution.

Antoine Lavoisier (1743 - 1794)

What is Silicon? Facts about the History of the Discovery of Silicon Element
Next to oxygen silicon is the most abundant element. It does not occur free in nature, but its compounds are very abundant and of the greatest importance. It occurs almost entirely in combination with oxygen as silicon dioxide (SiO2), often called silica, or with oxygen and various metals in the form of salts of silicic acids, or silicates. These compounds form a large fraction of the earth's crust. Most plants absorb small amounts of silica from the soil, and it is also found in minute quantities in animal organisms. The high-tech region of Silicon Valley, California, is named after this element.

What is Silicon? Occurrence of the Silicon Element
Occurring extensively in the earth's crust in silica and silicates
Elemental silicon is not found in nature
Silicon is a principal component of aerolites and of tektites

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 0.07%
% in Sun 0.09%
% in Meteorites 14%
% in Earth's Crust 27%
% in Oceans 0.0001%
% in Humans 0.026%

Associated Uses of Silicon
Semi-conductors
Glass
Concrete
Brick
Pottery
Silicones

Glass
When Sodium and Calcium silicates, together with silicon dioxide, are heated to a very high temperature, the mixture slowly fuses to a transparent liquid, which on cooling passes into the solid called glass.

The Properties of the Silicon Element
Name of Element : Silicon
Symbol of Element : Si
Atomic Number of Silicon : 14
Atomic Mass: 28.0855 amu 
Melting Point: 1410.0 °C - 1683.15 °K
Boiling Point: 2355.0 °C - 2628.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Silicon : 14
Number of Neutrons in Silicon : 14
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 2.329 g/cm3
Color of Silicon : gray

Silicon as on the Periodic Table
Check out Silicon on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Silicon as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Metalloids
The other elements contained in the classification of Metalloids are as follows:

• Boron
• Germanium
• Arsenic
• Antimony
• Tellurium
• Polonium

What is Silicon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Silicon is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Silicon with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Silicon and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.