It can require very pure materials to make conductors and semiconductors or they won't act right. And it can take kilos of 99 percent pure raw material to end

It can require very pure materials to make conductors and semiconductors or they won't act right. And it can take kilos of 99 percent pure raw material to end up with a few grams of 99.999 or better. Silicon was already available in rail cars having 99+ percent purity for steelmaking.