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Silicate




In common conditions, the most stable form is Silicon Dioxide , SiO2, the Mineral Quartz , and similar species. This always has, in equilibrium, a minute amount of Silicic Acid , H4SiO4. Chemists consider quartz as Insoluble under standard atmospheric conditions. Also, in Basic conditions, we find H2SiO42−.

Silicate Minerals are noted for their Tetrahedral form. In different Mineral s the tetrahedra show different degrees of Polymerisztion , and may be joined together in chains, double chains, sheets, and three-dimensional frameworks. They are subclassified into groups based on these structures; a list is given below.

In Geology and Astronomy , the term silicate is used to denote a type of Rock that consists predominately of silicate minerals. Such rocks range from Granite to Gabbro . Most of the Earth 's Crust is made up of silicate rocks, as are the crusts of other Terrestrial Planets . A type of Plankton known as Diatom s construct their Exoskeleton s, known as tests, from silica. The tests of dead diatoms are a major constituent of Deep Ocean Sediment .

Mineralogically , Silicate Minerals are divided according to their molecular structure into the following groups:

  • Olivine (single tetrahedron) - Nesosilicates

  • Epidote (double tetrahedra) - Sorosilicates

  • Tourmaline (rings of tetrahedra) - Cyclosilicates

  • Pyroxene (single chain) - Inosilicates

  • Amphibole (double chain) - Inosilicates

  • Mica s and Clay s (sheet) - Phyllosilicates

  • Feldspar s (framework) - Tectosilicates

  • Quartz (SiO2 framework)



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