Soroszilikátok

Soroszilikátok are a subclass of silicate minerals characterized by their specific atomic structure. In sorosilicates, the fundamental building block is the isolated silicon-oxygen tetrahedron (SiO4), but these tetrahedra are linked in pairs to form a double tetrahedron, often referred to as a Si2O7 group. This double tetrahedron structure is the defining feature that distinguishes sorosilicates from other silicate mineral groups like orthosilicates (single tetrahedra) or cyclosilicates (rings of tetrahedra). The Si2O7 unit carries a net charge of -6, which is balanced by the presence of various cations in the crystal structure, typically metals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum.

The presence of the Si2O7 group influences the physical and chemical properties of sorosilicate minerals. They often exhibit distinct optical properties and cleavage patterns related to the arrangement of these double tetrahedra within the crystal lattice. Examples of well-known sorosilicate minerals include epidote, zoisite, and hemimorphite. These minerals are found in a variety of geological environments, often associated with metamorphic rocks, but can also occur in igneous and sedimentary settings. The study of sorosilicates is important for understanding mineral formation, geological processes, and the composition of the Earth's crust.