My semi-conductor is Silicon. It is the main constituent in sand and quartz as well as many other stones, including jasper, opal and chalcedony. Obsidian is less pure silicon, and silicon is the main constituent of tektites. Silicon is the second most abundant Earth element after oxygen. It appears to be a metal, with a metallic finish when crystalized (in diamond cubic crystalline structure), but it is not a metal.
The Chemical symbol of Silicon is Si. Silicon has an atomic number of 14. It has 14 protons and 14 electrons. Its atomic mass is 28, meaning that it has 14 neutrons.
Silicon has five electron orbitals in use. 1s, 2s, 2p and 3s orbitals are completely filled. The 3p orbital has 2 electrons out of six filled. Its electron arrangement gives it many opportunities to bond with other elements.
In order to turn Silicon into a conductor (which allows it to be used in electronics) it must be 'doped' or combined with another element which creates a different arrangement of electrons and allows it to conduct electricity.
Alchemy
I would say that alchemy is all three. Science and art and magic.
Discussion
I really enjoyed the discussion that we had about alchemy in class week 7. It relates to the question above about alchemy so I thought I would dive into it here. We discussed the meaning of the word alchemy, and its root in change. Science deals with change, physical, chemical changes. Art deals with change, emotional, mental, perceptual changes. Magic deals with changes, whatever type those would be, it seems the range is bigger for magic.
The thing that Larry said about the root of the word for alchemy in hebrew coming from the word for yearning was really cool. I like the association of those two. Desire for change. Very nice.
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