Her keel was laid down as SS Bauxite (T. B7-D1, MC hull 1331) on 5 December 1943 by Barrett & Hilp, Belair Shipyard, San Francisco, California.

She was launched on 31 December 1943 sponsored by Mrs. William O'Neill, and acquired by the Navy and commissioned on 8 June 1944.

Silica was acquired for use as a store ship to be used to provide general supplies at advance bases.

On 30 June, Gulf Star took her in tow at San Francisco and departed for Pearl Harbor, arriving on 13 July.

A Board of Inquiry found her damaged beyond economical repair and recommended that she be destroyed or sunk in deep water.