Silica is the most abundant mineral found in the earth's crust. Silica is a chemical
compound, generally known as silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Silica is commonly found in the
form of quartz in nature. Silicon dioxide is typically procured by mining and refinement
of quartz. Silica-based
products can be
categorized into four
major products:
precipitated silica,
colloidal silica, fumed
silica, and silica gel. Each
of the silica-based products has its own industrial applications.