Silicon is the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, at 227,200 ppm. Silicon is present in stony corals at the level of 1,280 ppm making it the fifth most abundant element in the samples of stony corals tested. (Halstead) Silicon is considered to be an essential trace mineral of the body where it is found at levels of 260 ppm. The highest concentration of silicon is found in the hair and skin. This mineral is important in the formation of the collagen found in bone, cartilage and other connective tissues. The calcification sites of growing bone contain high concentrations of silicon. It is also necessary for the formation of other connective tissues like elastin, which help maintain the integrity of the elastic quality of blood vessels – an important feature of blood pressure control – and other tissues. No RDA has been established; but an optimal daily intake is between 20 and 50 milligrams per day for adults. (Bergner, Mervyn)
Deficiency of silicon may cause soft, brittle nails, aging symptoms of the skin such as wrinkles, thinning and loss of hair, poor bone and teeth development, insomnia, osteoporosis, boils, abscesses and chronic fatigue. (Lepore) Toxic effects of silicon are confined to the inhalation of silica as dust from coal, glass manufacture, ceramics production and sand-blasting of rocks. (Mervyn)
The Dictionary of Minerals, Leonard Mervyn, pages 177-178.
Fossil Stony Coral Minerals, Bruce W. Halstead, pages 49-50.
The Healing Power of Minerals, Paul Bergner, pages 168, ff.
The Ultimate Healing System, Donald Lepore, pages 76-77.
