DESCRIPTION: - an iron and silicon alloy, with silicon content between 40 and 90%; it usually contains a large amount of iron silicon and 1 to 2% calcium and aluminum.

OBTAINED:-by reducing silicon dioxide (SiO2, natural mineral = quartz), at high temperature in electric furnaces

USAGE:

- Alloy steel production (Silicon content ensures a good deoxidation and it also prevents the decarburization of the melted steel;
- Added to gray cast irons, it increases the fluidity in the molten state.