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vano
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 05:07
How hard it is to crack silicon?

If anyone has a silicon crystal and you break it tell me how easy or difficult it is.



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Amos
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 05:14


I've got several crystal chunks about 7-15 grams each, and they're less tough in every way than quartz. The sharp edges grind smooth when rubbed against glass without scratching it, if you want an idea of hardness. Breaking them with a hammer is pretty trivial, a few good taps and you're there. Kind of like a piece of good-quality limestone.
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vano
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 05:25


I have never had an element of silicon, only its compounds. Today I saw a jar with "Unknown metal" written on it, I was given a few pieces, they do not dissolve in concentrated acids and breaks quite easily. Also looks like silicon.

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Sulaiman
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 06:10


Bare 4" monocrystaline solar cells are very thin
and very easy to crack :(



CAUTION : Hobby Chemist, not Professional or even Amateur
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 06:37


Measure the density of it by water displacement. That will give you some quantitative data, and easily distinguish whether it’s silicon or germanium, as they look similar but differ greatly in density.



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Amos
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 10:29


Yes, check the density and you might also see if it responds to heating from a blowtorch, such as any kind of wrinkling or discoloring.
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 10:39


Quote: Originally posted by Amos  
... you might also see if it responds to heating from a blowtorch, such as any kind of wrinkling or discoloring.

If your "unknown metal" turns out to be arsenic, you are in trouble.
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Amos
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[*] posted on 14-8-2021 at 10:50


You only live once!

But in all honesty, the OP would've already noticed some amount of surface oxidation or odor if they've already tried heating in concentrated acids and bases.
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