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How to Dissolve Silica

Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a chemical compound most often found in nature as sand or quartz. Known for its extreme hardness, silica is used in the production of glass, optical fiber cables and even Portland cement. Unfortunately, for the purposes of scientific experimentation, you cannot attempt to dissolve silica in sand form in a traditional glass container. Because glass is made primarily of silica, it would dissolve as well. Wear eye and respiratory protection whenever using hydrofluoric acid.

Things You'll Need

Hydrofluoric acid
Plastic dish
Plastic eyedropper
Hydrofluoric acid neutralizer
Safety goggles
Face mask

Instructions

- 1
  Pour a small amount of silica, such as silica sand, into the base of a plastic dish.
- 2
  Add to the dish an equal amount of hydrofluoric acid with a plastic eyedropper. Avoid letting the hydrofluoric acid splash, spill or otherwise come into contact with any other surfaces except the silica sand.
- 3
  Mix the ingredients together, using a gentle stirring motion, with the tip of the plastic eyedropper. This will cause the silica to dissolve. When the experiment is completed, apply an appropriate amount of hydrofluoric acid neutralizer before disposing of the chemicals in an appropriate manner.

Rocks & Minerals