Silicate

Name:
Silicate
Detailed information:
Any of the widely occurring compounds containing silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals with or without hydrogen. The silicon and oxygen may combine with organic groups to form silicate esters. Most rocks (except limestone and dolomite) and many mineral compounds are silicates. Typical natural silicates are gemstones (except diamond), beryl, asbestos, talc, clays, feldspar, mica, etc. Portland cement contains a high percentage of calcium silicates. Best known of the synthetic (soluble) silicates is sodium silicate (water glass).

Hazard:

(Natural silicate dusts) Toxic by inhalation.

Use:

Fillers in plastics and rubber, paper coatings, antacids, anticaking agents, cements.