Understanding Silicate and Non-Silicate Minerals

Minerals are important parts of the Earth, and they come in two main types: silicate and non-silicate. Let's break down what makes them different and what they are made of.

Silicate Minerals

• Silicate minerals are made up of silicon and oxygen.
• In fact, over 90% of the Earth's crust is made of these minerals!
• Some common examples include:
  • Quartz
  • Feldspar
  • Mica
• Silicate minerals are grouped into four main types:
  • Nesosilicates: These have isolated structures.
  • Inosilicates: These form chain structures.
  • Phyllosilicates: These are arranged in sheet structures.
  • Tectosilicates: These form 3D frameworks.

Non-Silicate Minerals

• Non-silicate minerals include a variety of other elements and do not have that silicon-oxygen framework.
• They are not as common, making up about 8% of the Earth's crust.
• There are different categories of non-silicate minerals, including:
  • Carbonates: For example, Calcite.
  • Oxides: For example, Hematite.
  • Sulfides: For example, Pyrite.

Knowing the differences between silicate and non-silicate minerals can help us identify and classify them better.