Potassium silicate is colorless or yellowish translucent to transparent glass. Hygroscopic. There is a strong alkaline reaction. It decomposes in acid to precipitate silica. It is slowly soluble in cold water or almost insoluble in water (depending on its composition) and insoluble in ethanol. Potassium silicate is commonly used in the manufacture of welding electrodes, welding electrodes, reducing dyes, and fire retardants. Also used as a screen coating layer and soap filler. At the steady state, it is a hyaluronic viscous liquid with a blue-green color. Soluble in water and acid, and precipitates colloidal silicic acid. The higher the potassium content, the more soluble. Insoluble in alcohol.