1. n. [Drilling Fluids]
The anion, SiO4-4, found in solutions of sodium and potassium silicate, formed by dissolving silica or silicate minerals in NaOH or KOH solutions. Silicate anions form polysilicates, or colloidal silica gel.
Synonyms: sodium silicate
See: buffered mud, clay, silicate, silicate mud, silicic acid
