Silicon

Silicon was one of many elements in the galaxy. It formed with oxygen to make silica and quartz.

Silicon shared some of the same properties found in carbon, and was the only possible rival for the role of carbon in biology. However, silicon could only bond with two other atoms, whereas carbon could bond with up to four other atoms at once, and was therefore able to form long molecular chains and rings - the backbones of organic molecules. Because of the limitations of silicon, silicon-based lifeforms were extremely rare.^[1]

Silicon was the base element for vacuum-breathing species like the space slugs and mynocks and the mineral lifeform rainbow gems and Shards. The Silika people of Dohu VII were also composed of silicon.

During the reign of the Galactic Empire, Sentientologist Obo Rin wrote in a report that despite extensive research, he had yet to encounter an example of intelligent silicon life;^[1] apparently, he had never heard about the Shards or the Silika. The research facility on Q'Maere, headed by the Qektoth Confederation scientist Drigor Tarrens, was known to conduct experiments with silicon biology. However, these experiments failed, and the facility was left to be managed by students of the University of Sanbra.^[2]

1 Behind the scenes
2 Appearances
3 Sources
4 Notes and references
5 External links

Behind the scenesEdit

In real-life, silicon presents similar chemical properties to carbon and the possibility of existing (extraterrestrial or not) life-forms has been ventured both in theory and science fiction.

Some experiments of creating silicon-based organic compositions have been made but in reality, silicon-based life is unlikely. See the Wikipedia article for Alternative biochemistry.

In the real world, silicon is used to make silicone and computer chips.