The chemical compound silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz.
Silica is common additive in the production of foods, where it is used primarily as a flow agent in powdered foods, or to absorb water in hygroscopic applications. It is the primary component of diatomaceous earth which has many uses ranging from filtration to insect control. It is also the primary component of rice husk ash which is used, for example, in filtration and cement manufacturing.
