Methods of forming an aqueous silica suspension are provided. The methods include admixing water, an organic acid, a silica powder, and a siliconate under certain conditions. The silica powder includes undensified silica powder in an amount of at least about 50% by weight and has a specific gravity in the range of from about 2.1 to about 2.5, a bulk density in the range of from about 12 lb/ft3 to about 40 lb/ft3, and a water requirement of from about 80 to about 250 at a pH in the range of from about 5.5 to about 7.5. Also provided are aqueous silica suspensions, hydraulic cement compositions, and methods of cementing in a well.