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Hydrated silica
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<p>Hydrated silica is a form of <a href="/facts/Silicon_dioxide/A3WILp6J">silicon dioxide</a>, which has a variable amount of water in the formula. When dissolved in water, it is usually known as <a href="/facts/Silicic_acid/vrXPqNhF">silicic acid</a>. It is found in nature as <a href="/facts/Opal/LF7Xa7nK">opal</a> (which has been mined as a gemstone for centuries), and in the cell walls of <a href="/facts/Diatoms/x2oEcP1P">diatoms</a>. It is also synthetically manufactured for use in <a href="/facts/Toothpaste/PMTIQxtj">toothpaste</a> as an abrasive to assist in cleaning. Hydrated silica can be dehydrated to produce <a href="/facts/Silica_gel/qrNxnft5">silica gel</a>, which is used as a <a href="/facts/Desiccant/wD2YIcPc">desiccant</a>. It is also used in various paints and varnishes and in the production of <a href="/facts/Beer/t7qAGDfj">beer</a>. </p>