Sial, in a geological context, is primarily composed of silicate and aluminium. The term is an antiquated blend referring to the upper layer of the Earth's crust, specifically rocks rich in aluminium silicate minerals. This is supported by the statement, "The uppermost layer of the crust is called the sial, consisting of silicate and aluminium (Si = silicate, Al = aluminium)."
Understanding Sial's Composition
The name "sial" itself is a contraction, deriving from the chemical symbols for silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al), the dominant elements found in these upper crustal rocks. The reference from Wikipedia confirms this, stating that sial is "an antiquated blended term for the composition of the upper layer of Earth's crust, namely rocks rich in aluminium silicate minerals."
While the provided references primarily focus on the geological definition of sial, it's important to note that "SIAL" is also used as an acronym for the Salon International de l'Alimentation, a major food industry trade show. In this context, "SIAL" doesn't refer to a material composition, but rather to an event showcasing various food products. Examples of products featured at SIAL include:
- Fermented sparkling tea (Rosa Rugosa 200ML)
- 100% Puglia-made pasta (Granoro)
- Olives-based beer (The Empeltre One)
- A variety of food innovations and ingredients solutions from companies like Valio