Anything that is computerized or uses radio waves uses silicon. As one of the experts in this episode says, "[Silicon is] the heart of any electronic or photonic device." The second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, silicon bonds with oxygen in a unique way that makes many types of rocks and minerals possible. This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Winnie Ye, Professor/Canada Research Chair, Silicon Micro/Nanophotonics Group, Carleton University, and Aaron Lussier, Research Scientist, Mineralogy, Canadian Museum of Nature.

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