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Sand is one of the most abundant natural materials found on Earth, primarily present along riverbeds, deserts, and beaches. Chemically, the main component of natural sand is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which is also called silica. This makes the chemical formula of sand SiO₂.
Silicon dioxide is a network covalent solid in which each silicon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four oxygen atoms, and each oxygen atom is shared between two silicon atoms. This extended three-dimensional structure gives silica its hardness, high melting point, and chemical stability.
Although SiO₂ is the main constituent of sand, its physical appearance can vary depending on impurities. For example, beach sand often contains small amounts of shell fragments (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃), while desert sand may contain traces of iron oxides, giving it a reddish color. Despite these variations, SiO₂ remains the dominant chemical compound.
Properties of SiO₂ (Sand):
Hard and crystalline in nature.
Insoluble in water.
Chemically stable under normal conditions.
High melting point (~1710°C).
Uses of Sand (Silica):
Glass industry: The main raw material for making glass.
Construction: Mixed with cement to form concrete and mortar.
Electronics: Pure crystalline silica (quartz) is used in making semiconductors and silicon chips.
Ceramics and refractories: Used in tiles, bricks, and heat-resistant materials.
For comparison:
Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide): Found in bauxite ore, used in making aluminum metal.
Sr₂O (strontium oxide): Less common compound used in some ceramics.
Si₂O₃: Not a stable compound.
Therefore, the correct chemical formula of sand is SiO₂ (silicon dioxide), which makes up the majority of natural sand found worldwide.
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