Silicates

Other names: silicates, silicates

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Silicates, also known as silicates or silicates in English, are substances composed mainly of silicon and oxygen. They are the most abundant group of minerals in nature. Silicates, in the form of various minerals, make up the majority of rocks on the Earth's surface and are therefore found virtually everywhere around us. Chemically, it is the salt of silicic acid.

Silicates are almost universally used in many industries. They are the basis for the production of glass, ceramics and various building materials. They are part of the ductile sand that is used in the foundry industry, but also for the production of insulating materials. They are also useful in the chemical industry, where they are used for the production of detergents, pesticides or as feed additives. Due to their properties such as resistance to high temperatures, chemical stability and inability to react with many substances, silicates are also widely used in the electronics and semiconductor industries.

Silicates also have a place in the cosmetics industry. They are used, for example, as fillers in cosmetic products or as absorbers of grease and moisture. Silicones, which are derived from silicates, can be found, for example, in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, powders and many other products. However, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, which is why their use is controversial. Nevertheless, their versatile use and availability make them one of the most important chemical compounds we encounter in everyday life.