Minerals Topics

 

Silicates

Silicate minerals contain silicon (Si) and oxygen (O), the two most abundant elements in the earth’s crust.  

Over 90% of the common rock-forming minerals are silicates.

Common silicate minerals include: olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite mica, muscovite mica, plagioclase feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, and quartz.

Olivine Pronounce:

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• The composition of olivine is (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

• Olivine is identified by its glassy luster, conchoidal fracture, and olive-green color.

• Its hardness is 6.5.

• Its specific gravity is 3.2.

Olivine
Olivine (Photograph by Parvinder Sethi)