Concept:
Silica bricks are made from silica-rich raw materials like quartzite. A small amount of bonding agent is required to bind the particles and assist brick formation.
Step 1: Silica bricks are mainly made from:
\[
SiO_2
\]
Step 2: During manufacturing, quartzite particles need a suitable bonding material.
Step 3: Hydrated lime is commonly used as a bonding agent in silica brick making.
\[
Ca(OH)_2 = \text{Hydrated lime}
\]
Step 4: It helps in bonding and also assists in transformation of silica phases during firing.
Therefore, the bonding agent used in making silica bricks is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Hydrated lime}}
\]