Vitreous Silica
/ˈvɪt.ri.əs ˈsɪl.ɪ.kə/noun
A glassy, noncrystalline form of silicon dioxide, also called fused silica or quartz glass.
Did you know?Unlike ordinary glass, vitreous silica is made almost entirely of silicon dioxide and can remain stable at temperatures above 1,000°C, which is why it appears in laboratory, optical, and space technology.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
vitrum
“Glass; the source of vitreous, meaning glassy or glass-like.”
Classical Latin
Latin
silex / silicis
“Flint or hard stone; the source of silica.”
17th Century
New Latin
vitreus
“Of glass; glassy.”
18th Century
New Latin
silica
“The substance associated with flint and siliceous earth.”
19th Century
English
vitreous
“Resembling or consisting of glass.”
19th Century
English
vitreous silica
“A glassy, noncrystalline form of silicon dioxide, produced by fusing silica.”