Construction Workers Should Know Silica: It''s not just dust
Crystalline silica is a bigger worry for the health of our lungs. The most common form of crystalline silica is quartz, which is found in sand, gravel, clay, granite, diatomaceous earth, and many other forms of rock. Noncrystalline silica is found in glass, silicon carbide, and silicone. These materials are much less hazardous to the lungs.