The Future of Quartz and Silica

JSGT 1955 V39 T058-T060

My colleagues have given you a short account of the history of quartz and silica. It is my part in these proceedings to say something about the future of these remarkable materials. It is perhaps never entirely safe to play the role of the prophet, and I am reminded that Einstein is attributed to have said, "I never think of the future: it comes soon enough." I assure you, however, that my remarks will be based upon factual trends and not on a crystal-gazing technique.

F. J. Edwards