Mineral groups
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What is a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally-occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a characteristic regular, geometric arrangement of its constituent atoms. Minerals can be classified into distinct groups based upon similar atomic structure and/or chemical composition (which is mainly based on their anions).
Many minerals contain elements that can be freely exchanged with other elements of similar properties. This is called ionic substitution. These elements can occur as either major elements in the mineral structure, or as trace elements in tiny amounts. (e.g. the mineral sphalerite (Zn, Fe)S can contain highly variable concentrations of both Zn (zinc) and Fe (iron) and also commonly contains trace amounts of Cd (cadmium).
Silicates are minerals with silicon and oxygen linked together as a major component, and can be classified according to the way in which other atoms present are linked to these silicon and oxygen atoms.
Main mineral groups
Minerals are listed in groups by mineral name, chemical composition and crystal system. Species marked * are more common within each group.
Silicates
Silicates include:
