OK, I must surely be mistaken. I had this weird idea, thought, or was it a dream.....that silicon is made out of sand. Newbie here. Would someone condescend to tell me what silicon is?

-- Kyle (fordtbonly@aol.com), January 28, 2000

Answers

Silicon is an atomic element. It is the main elemental ingredient in sand along with oxygen. Pure, refined silicon is used to created semiconductor 'chips' as well as materials such as silicone 'rubber', a polymer which incorporates silicon with organic compounds to create products with unique adhesives, caulks, heat and weather resistant gaskets, etc. It is also the main ingredeitn in glass making (from sand). Generally acids do not have much effect on silicon materials, except acids such as Hydrofloric Acid (florine hydride), which is highly corrosive.

-- ..- (dit@dot.dash), January 28, 2000.

If silicone isn't -- er -- compliant, can the -- uh -- collapse of Hollywood be far behind?

-- I'm Here, I'm There (I'm Everywhere@so.beware), January 28, 2000.

Was once asked if 'silicon valley' was near Los Angeles. I said no that was 'silicone valley'. Went clear over their heads {whoosh!}

-- ..- (dit@dot.dash), January 28, 2000.

Just wondering if our civilization is now built upon sand. Nahh, couldn't be.

-- Kyle (fordtbonly@aol.com), January 28, 2000.

Slightly prophetic, eh? Indeed, we have built our 'modern world' on 'sand'. A fitting 'crash' in 'sand based stocks', et al would be terribly ironic, wouldn't it? And if you like that consider the 'elevator drop' story from the weekend: Empire State Building elevator dropped from 44th floor to 4th floor before breaking. Wacked the two occupants pretty hard (that sudden come uppence feeling). Dare we see here a demonstration of what will unfold in these 'markets'. NASDAQ topped out at just under 4400. Will it land at 400???

Ramble mode off

-- ..- (dit@dot.dash), January 28, 2000.