Silica, one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust, is chemically known as Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) . This hard, non-metallic compound, ranging in color from colorless to dark gray, plays a pivotal role across countless industries. If you’re searching for the answer to “What is silica?”, you should know it’s a compound of silicon and oxygen, naturally found in various forms like quartz, sand, and sandstone.