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How to Obtain Silicon From Sand

Silicon is an element naturally found in silica -- present in stones, rocks and sand. Although it is found abundantly on Earth, silica must be combined with other elements to produce silicon -- which is used in construction materials such as brick, concrete and steel. However, its most popular use is in computer chips. Silicon is primarily manufactured for computer chips, but it's simple to obtain it through a science experiment that requires only basic chemistry supplies.

Things You'll Need

5 millimeters silica sand
5 millimeters magnesium powder
100 milliliters hydrochloric acid
500 milliliters water
1-liter, heat-resistant beaker
Test tube
Bunsen burner
Metal tongs
Welding gloves
Lab coat
Goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Protect yourself with safety gear. Wear a lab coat, and shield your eyes with safety goggles. Pull your hair back and secure it, so it's out of your face. Put on welding gloves.
- 2
  Pour 500 milliliters of water into the 1-liter, heat-resistant beaker. Measure 100 milliliters of hydrochloric acid, and pour it into the beaker.
- 3
  Mix 5 millimeters of silica sand and 5 millimeters of magnesium powder in a test tube. Heat the test tube over a Bunsen burner until the dry mixture starts to glow an orange color, approximately 1 minute.
- 4
  Pour the contents of the test tube into the hydrochloric acid and water solution. The mixture of the ingredients will cause an explosion.
- 5
  Remove the silicon pieces from the bottom of the beaker with tongs. The silicon pieces, as well as the glass beaker, will be very hot.

Rocks & Minerals