This chapter explores all the silicate mineral groups by starting with the framework silicates in which silicate tetrahedra share all four corners, and then working through the standard classification schemes to the orthosilicates with isolated silicate tetrahedra. Along the way, common mineral groups and sub-groups are examined.
Topics covered in Chapter 22 include:
Sliica Polymorphs
Feldspars
Feldspathoids
Zeolites
Layer Silicates
Polymorphism
Amphiboles
Swimming Octahedra
Chains with Side Branches or Loops
Pyroxenes
Other Single-Chain Silicates
Ring Silicates
Disilicates
Orthosilicates
Borosilicates and Beryllosilicates
