Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing boron-free SiO.sub.2 by purification of hexafluorosilicic acid. In this case, an aqueous solution of the boron-containing hexafluorosilicic acid is transferred to the organic phase by treatment with organic compounds immiscible with water and subsequently the organic phase is converted to boron-free hexafluorosilicic acid by means of fluid-fluid extraction in the alkaline or acid medium. Particularly, complex-forming compounds, such as tri-iso-octylamine, and organic solvents, such as xylol, are used as organic compounds. The method produces SiO.sub.2 with a boron content of less than 1 ppm and is usable for manufacturing silicon for solar cells.