Silicon Collection (page 5)

Friedrich Wohler (1800-1882)
German chemist. Wohler discovered the cyanates and, in 1828, he attempted to synthesis ammonium cyanate, but instead synthesised urea

Graphene transistor, SEM
Graphene transistor. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transistor composed of a graphene wire (centre), gold electrodes (dark yellow) and silicon (blue)

Circuit board components
Printed circuit board components. Electronic components soldered into a printed circuit board (PCB). The black squares are microprocessor silicon chips

Chloride chemistry

Silica microspheres, SEM
Silica microspheres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These tiny spheres are made of silica (silicon dioxide)

Diatom algae, SEM
Diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of two unidentified diatoms (round). These planktonic unicellular algae have silica in their cell walls (frustules). Magnification unknown

Atomic surface of a silicon crystal
Clearest-ever view of silicon. High resolution transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the atomic surface of a silicon crystal. The surface is made of triangular subunits which consist of 3 layers

Quark structure of silicon atom nucleus
Visualisation of a silicon nucleus. This image represents the nucleus of a silicon atom. The nucleus is made of 28 particles, called nucleons (14 protons and 14 neutrons)

Silicon. Lump of silicon, a chemical element with the symbol Si. It is a semi-metallic element, and belongs to group 14 of the periodic table

Period 3 elements. From left (in their periodic table order) they are: sodium (Na); magnesium (Mg); aluminium (Al); silicon (Si); phosphorus (P)

Visualisation of quark structure of silicon
Quark structure of the silicon nucleus. Computer visualisation of the nucleus of a silicon atom. The most common isotope, silicon-28, consists of 14 protons and 14 neutrons

Talc crystal structure, molecular model. Talc is the name for the mineral hydrated magnesium silicate (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2). Silicate ions comprise a central silicon ion (pink)

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Silicon, the versatile element that shapes our technological world. From its mesmerizing crystal structure to its vital role in microchips and solar panels, silicon is truly a marvel of nature's ingenuity. In the depths of Earth's crust, silicon forms intricate crystals that captivate with their beauty. Under the lens of a light micrograph, these structures reveal themselves as delicate masterpieces, reminiscent of jasper or agate bowls adorned in shades of grey and white. But it is not just aesthetics that make silicon so remarkable. Its practical applications are boundless. In the realm of technology, we find silicon at the heart of every microchip connecting wire. Examined under an electron microscope (SEM), this tiny wire becomes a gateway to innovation and progress. Harnessing the power of sunlight, silicon finds another purpose in solar panels basking in the sun's rays. As photons strike its surface, electrons are set into motion, generating clean energy for our ever-growing needs. Even within teletext boards lies hidden artistry - an X-ray reveals a complex network etched onto a silicon chip. This intricate design represents countless lines of code and information flowing through circuits unseen by our naked eye. Venturing beyond technology, we discover stunning mineral formations where copper dances with quartz amidst Cornwall's rich landscapes. Cuprite with minor quartz from Gwennap showcases nature's ability to create harmonious compositions while chalcopyrite with quartz and minor sphalerite unites elements in perfect balance. The Cooks Kitchen Mine brings forth chalcocite alongside quartz – a testament to Mother Nature’s artistic prowess deep within England’s soil. Galena intertwined with quartz from Derbyshire adds an air of mystery as its exact origin remains uncertain. Lastly, copper embraces quartz at South Caradon Mine while chalcopyrite adorns dolcoath mine – both sites serving as reminders that beneath Earth’s surface lie treasures waiting to be discovered.