Epäsilikaattimineraalit

Epäsilikaattimineraalit comprise a broad category of minerals that, unlike silicates, do not contain silicon-oxygen tetrahedra as their fundamental structural unit. This classification is based on the absence of the (SiO4)4- anion group, which is the defining characteristic of silicate minerals.

Within the realm of epäsilikaattimineraalit, several important mineral groups exist. Oxides, such as hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), are characterized by the presence of oxygen as the dominant anion. Sulfides, including pyrite (FeS2) and galena (PbS), contain sulfur as the primary anion. Halides, such as halite (NaCl) and fluorite (CaF2), are defined by the presence of halogen elements like chlorine or fluorine. Carbonates, like calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), feature the carbonate ion (CO3)2-. Sulfates, such as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and barite (BaSO4), contain the sulfate ion (SO4)2-. Phosphates, like apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)), include the phosphate ion (PO4)3-.

The diversity in anionic groups leads to a wide range of physical and chemical properties among epäsilikaattimineraalit. These minerals are crucial components of many geological formations and are economically important, serving as sources of various metals and industrial materials. Their study is fundamental to understanding Earth's mineralogy and resource distribution.