6min chapter

The Atlas Obscura Podcast cover image

Our Material World with Ed Conway

The Atlas Obscura Podcast

CHAPTER

The Journey of Sand: From Rock to Silicon Chip

This chapter explores the crucial role of sand in modern technology, tracing its transformation from natural rock in Spain to highly purified silicon essential for devices like smartphones. It highlights the intricate processes involved in producing silicon chips, underscoring the importance of raw materials in shaping contemporary civilization.

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