The invention relates to a method for producing highly pure, granular silicon by decomposing a gas containing silicon in a procedure comprising at least two operating states, at least one state comprising the increased formation of nucleus particles from the decomposition of said gas containing silicon and at least one other state comprising the increased separation of the silicon with expansion of the diameter of the silicon granules. The invention also relates to the use of silicon produced in this way and to highly pure, granular silicon particles which are characterised by a coreless structure.