ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Features → Natural Sciences → Chemistry → Materials

The difference between silicon and silicone

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
April 13, 2016 - Updated on April 30, 2023
in Environmental Issues, Home science, Materials
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

It’s one of the most common confusions in the English language. In short, silicon is the chemical element Si, while silicone is a synthetic polymer.

Although it appears like the words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably, they’re not and they designate completely different things. Let’s detail a bit on what each of them are, and in what contexts they should be used.

Silicon

Silicon, as it appears in the chemical periodic table.
Silicon, as it appears in the chemical periodic table.

Pure silicon is a chemical element, the second most common inside the Earth’s crust (after oxygen). Over 90% of the Earth’s crust is composed of silicate minerals.

Elemental silicon is very important for the world’s economy, being used in several chemical and industrial areas. However, its most important usage is in semiconductor electronics. Our modern technology basically relies on silicon, and everything that has a chip in it has silicon semiconductors. The substance can also be used in creating bricks and glass.

Silicon is one of the main constituents of quartz and many other minerals.

Probably the easiest way to tell silicon and silicone apart is to think about Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley is the biggest technology hub in the world. It is home to hundreds of start-up and global technology companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. Of course, it is named so after the element used in all the microchip the industry employs, so it’s quite easy to remember.

Silicone

Silicones are polymers which include any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane – a repeating chain of silicon and oxygen; so silicones contain silicon. They’re often used in insulation, being rubbery and heat resistant, with a very low heat transfer.

RelatedPosts

Acting out: mathematical model predicts the future of actors’ careers
Magic bullet changes direction mid-flight to hit enemy anywhere
Climate change is destroying jobs in New England’s fisheries
Iceland won’t be whaling this year

Silicones are used in many products, from automobile gaskets to electronics coatings to teeth molds. Your ice tray is probably made from them, as are your kitchen utensils and firestops. Over 400,000 tons of silicones were produced in 1991, and the production numbers are huge to this day.

Aside from the properties mentioned above, silicones also exhibit a number of interesting properties which makes them highly sought after. They have a low chemical reactivity, repel microbial growth, have a low toxicity and don’t stick to some substrates, but stick very well to others (such as glass).

Silicone ice tray.

The difference between silicon and silicone

So, the difference between the two should be evident by now. They’re both useful for the world economy, but one is a naturally occurring chemical element while the other is a man-made polymer.

Associate silicon with: chemistry, geology, computers, chips, semiconductors, Silicon valley, cement, bricks, glass.

Associate silicone with: insulation, molds, foam, coatings, cookware, firestops.

Hope that clears things out a bit, but if you have any other questions, feel free to contact us!

Share22TweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Health

Tennis May Add Nearly 10 Years to Your Life and Most People Are Ignoring It

byTibi Puiu
20 hours ago
Anthropology

Humans Have Been Reshaping Earth with Fire for at Least 50,000 Years

byTudor Tarita
21 hours ago
Biology

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

byTudor Tarita
21 hours ago
News

This $8750 Watch Was Designed for Space and Could Finally Replace Apollo-era Omega Watches

byTudor Tarita
22 hours ago

Recent news

Tennis May Add Nearly 10 Years to Your Life and Most People Are Ignoring It

July 4, 2025

Humans Have Been Reshaping Earth with Fire for at Least 50,000 Years

July 4, 2025

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

July 4, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.