What gives silicon its unique grey painted glass appearance?

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Silicon's distinctive 'grey painted glass' appearance is primarily attributed to the presence of a silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface layer that scatters light. While pure silicon typically exhibits a shiny metallic silver color, variations in appearance can occur due to surface coatings or impurities. The discussion highlights that silicon is a semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.12 eV, and suggests that polishing or etching the silicon may alter its surface characteristics, potentially revealing its true metallic luster.
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What gives silicon that 'grey painted glass' look. No other element i can think of has such a distinctive color and surface texture.
 
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Don't know where your getting your Si, but mine is a shiny metallic silver. Si is a semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.12 eV. If the stuff you've got is gray it most is likely a surface coat of SiO2 scattering the light. Try polishing it or etching it.
 
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