Silica is silicon oxide, which comprises approximately 60% percent of the earth’s crust. It is also called silicon dioxide and silicic anhydride, among other names. Silica is a mineral that is very important for the human body and is an essential micronutrient. Though it is a nutrient that is important for the health of our bones, joints, blood, skin, hair, and nails, a single adult consumes 10–40 mg of silica per day. While young, our bodily tissues are able to continually take in a large amount of silicon. That is why younger bodies are flexible, elastic, are covered in soft skin, and our skeleton maintains its hardness. However, as we age, the level of silicon in our bodies drops, resulting in conditions such as the creation of dry skin and wrinkles, as well as bones that break more easily.