TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The electrolyte comprises (in wt.%) cryolite (82-94, preferably 87), calcium oxide particles (3-15, preferably 10) and quartz particles (3 wt.%). Preferred Method: Quartz particles are controllably added to electrolyte during electrolysis to substantially maintain approximately 3 wt.% quartz particles in the electrolyte. The crucible includes at least one of a carbon, silicon nitrate and silicon carbide material. The crucible includes a recess (2c) defined by an inner peripheral wall (2a) and a base (2b) for receiving the electrolyte. A crucible lining (3) is arranged inside the crucible recess between crucible and the electrolyte. Another crucible lining (B) is arranged inside the crucible recess between the alloy anode and the primary crucible lining. The lining (B) includes at least one of silicon carbide and an silicon nitride material. The crucible lining (B) is submerged beneath the anode during electrolysis in the crucible. Silicon is segregated from the alloy by performing a secondary electrolysis upon the alloy whereby a solid composite of silicon and electrolyte is formed. The polarities of the anode and cathode are reversed. Secondary electrolysis is performed in a crucible separate to the primary crucible. The separate crucible includes silicon carbide material. Secondary electrolysis is performed using at least one of electrolyte composition containing potassium silicon fluoride (10%), aluminum fluoride (25%), sodium fluoride (25%), barium fluoride (35%) and calcium fluoride (5%), composition containing sodium aluminum iron alloy (40-70%), potassium silicon fluoride (5-20%), calcium fluoride (5-15%), and calcium oxide (5-10%), or composition containing sodium aluminum iron (95-99%) and silicon dioxide (1-5%). The composite deposited on the anode is melted at 1450 degrees C or more and silicon is conglomerated into pellets or ingots within the electrolyte upon cooling. The conglomerated silicon pellets or ingots are filtered from the electrolyte using a filter. Electrolysis is performed with respect to quartz-containing electrolyte in a crucible and a solid composite containing silicon and the electrolyte is formed. The composite is melted and silicon particles in the composite are conglomerated in the electrolyte upon cooling. The temperature of the melted composite is reduced below 1414 degrees C, the conglomerated silicon is filtered from the electrolyte. Powdered quartz is periodically added to the crucible to maintain a supply of silicon particles during the electrolysis. Two carbon nodes are used in the electrolysis.