Inosilicaten

Inosilicaten is a silicate mineral group characterized by its crystal structure. In this structure, silicon-oxygen tetrahedra link together to form chains. These chains can be arranged in two main ways: single chains or double chains. Minerals with single chains are known as pyroxenes, while those with double chains are called amphiboles. The specific arrangement of these chains, along with the presence of various cations such as magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, and aluminum, determines the physical and chemical properties of each inosilicate mineral. Common examples of inosilicates include augite, enstatite, hornblende, and actinolite. These minerals are abundant in the Earth's crust and mantle and are significant components of many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Their hardness, cleavage patterns, and susceptibility to weathering vary widely depending on their chemical composition and structural details.