What element has the symbol 'Si'?

The story behind the answer

Si is the symbol for silicon, element 14 on the periodic table. It’s not Silver (Ag, from the Latin argentum), nor Sodium (Na, from natrium), and “silicon dioxide” is a compound (SiO2), not an element. So, the only elemental match for Si is Silicon.

Silicon is a semiconductor, the backbone of modern electronics and solar cells, and one of the most abundant elements in Earth’s crust—found in sand and quartz. The name traces to Latin “silex,” meaning flint. Memory tip: “Si” literally starts “Si-licon,” and Silicon Valley runs on Si. Contrast with Latin-derived symbols: Ag for silver, Na for sodium.