Please please please someone help!!I read a sci-fi book about 12 years ago about a planet made of silicate crystals.Apperently there were natives on the planet that resembled snails that had all kinds of appendages.They (the snails) gave the main character a suit of armor by dipping in a hole with this silica in it, then he (the snail) proceded to cut perfect joints in the suit as it was a solid casing for his body at first.The snails even gave him a laser for an arm that focused light thru the crystal.Any hlp would put my mind at ease .