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What is the simple silicate chemical formula, what do amethyst, petrified wood, and chert have in common?

I have 3 questions 1) If diamond is the hardest known substance, what mineral substance could be used to cut and polish it? Another diamond (not sure) 2) What is the simplest silicate chemical formula? 3) What do amethyst, petrified wood, and chert have in common? I cannot find these 3 answers. Please help. Thanks

Public Comments

1. 1) Yes you can use diamond-tipped instruments to polish diamonds. 2) SiO2 is the simplest silica formula (silicon dioxide). 3) Amethyst, Petrified Wood and Chert are all silica in different forms. Basically they have the same chemical formula. Actually chert is really a sedimentary rock composed of primarily SiO2. But in terms of your question they all are made of silica(SiO2).
2. hey man r u going to ut of austin???????