Silica

Silicon is used in phones because it is a semi-conductor which is very useful in circuitry of any kind. it is key in phones without a semi-conductor it wouldn't function and it is the best general one.

Silicon is commonly used in electronics becuase it is a semi-conductor meaning that it under some conditions could act as a conductor and others an insulator. Silicon is a non renewable resource on any human timescale.

the majority of the worlds silicon is found in china which produces 4.5 million and the rest of the world produces 8 million a year.

The basic process heats silica and coke in a submerged electric arc furnace to high temperatures. High temperatures are required to produce a reaction where the oxygen is removed, leaving behind silicon. This is known as a reduction process. In this process, metal carbides usually form first at the lower temperatures. As silicon is formed, it displaces the carbon. this Refining process are used to improve purity.