Silicate minerals are divided into six smaller groups. In each group, the silicate pyramids join together differently. The pyramids can stand alone. They can form into connected circles called rings.
How are the silicates classified?
Silicate minerals are classified as being either ferromagnesian or non-ferromagnesian depending on whether or not they have iron (Fe) and/or magnesium (Mg) in their formula. A number of minerals and their formulas are listed below. For each one, indicate whether or not it is a ferromagnesian silicate.
What groups are silicates subdivided into?
The Silicates are divided into the following subclasses, not by their chemistries, but by their structures:
- Nesosilicates (single tetrahedrons)
- Sorosilicates (double tetrahedrons)
- Inosilicates (single and double chains)
- Cyclosilicates (rings)
- Phyllosilicates (sheets)
- Tectosilicates (frameworks)
