Silicon Crystal

Here is a picture of a state-of-the-art 200 mm Si crystal as they are grown by the thousands for present day (2000) chip manufacture.

While it does look like an oversized chromium-plated salami, it is a much more sophisticated product (and much more expensive).

Note that this huge crystal is hanging on a rather thin Si seed crystal (see inset). This seed crystal does not only have to support the weight of the crystal, but also the torque needed to rotate the crystal during its growth.

With frame

6.1.2 Silicon Crystal Growth

Czochralski Crystal Growth Process