silícatos

Silicates are a large and important class of minerals, forming the largest group in the Earth's crust. They are compounds containing silicon and oxygen, typically as the fundamental building block of the silica tetrahedron, which consists of one silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. These tetrahedra can link together in various ways, forming different silicate structures, which in turn determine the mineral's properties.

The simplest structure is the nesosilicate, where isolated tetrahedra are linked by metal cations. Examples include olivine and garnet. Next are the sorosilicates, with two tetrahedra sharing an oxygen atom, like in epidote. The cyclosilicates feature rings of tetrahedra, such as in tourmaline. Inosilicates have chains of tetrahedra, either single (pyroxenes) or double (amphiboles). Phyllosilicates form sheets of tetrahedra, which are characteristic of micas and clay minerals. The most complex are the tectosilicates, where tetrahedra form a three-dimensional framework, exemplified by quartz and feldspar.

Silicates are ubiquitous in rocks, soils, and even in biological organisms. Their diverse structures and compositions lead to a wide range of physical and chemical properties, making them crucial for various industrial applications, from construction and ceramics to electronics and gemstones.