Silicates

Silicates are the most abundant group of minerals on Earth, comprising over 90% of the crust. They are formed from the combination of silicon and oxygen atoms, which form tetrahedral SiO4 units that can link together in various ways. Silicates are found in a wide range of rocks and soils, and are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as construction, ceramics, and glassmaking.