What is the Difference Between Silicate and Non Silicate Minerals?

The main difference between silicate and non-silicate minerals lies in the presence or absence of silicate groups in their composition. Silicate minerals are composed of silicate groups, which are made up of one silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. On the other hand, non-silicate minerals do not contain silicate groups and may contain oxygen atoms but not in combination with silicon.

Silicate Minerals:

• Contain silicon and oxygen.
• Make up the vast bulk of the rocks in the crust.
• Comprise around 75% of all known minerals and 40% of the most common minerals.
• Virtually all igneous rocks are made from silicate minerals; most metamorphic and many sedimentary rocks are made from silicates as well.

Non-Silicate Minerals:

• Do not contain silicate groups.
• May contain oxygen atoms but not in combination with silicon.
• Have a wide range of applications in industrial productions and constructions.
• Examples include sulfates, oxides, and minerals containing valuable metals.

In summary, silicate minerals are composed of silicate groups, which contain silicon and oxygen, and make up a significant portion of the Earth's crust. Non-silicate minerals do not contain silicate groups and may contain oxygen atoms but not in combination with silicon. They have various applications in industries and construction.

Comparative Table: Silicate vs Non Silicate Minerals

Here is a table comparing silicate and non-silicate minerals:

Silicate minerals make up more than 90% of the Earth's crust and are characterized by their silicon and oxygen content with the structure SiO44-. They have a more complex structure compared to non-silicate minerals. On the other hand, non-silicate minerals have a less complex structure and do not contain silicate tetrahedra as part of their structure. Non-silicate minerals account for about 8% of the Earth's crust and include various classes such as oxides, sulfides, carbonates, sulfates, halides, and phosphates. Both silicate and non-silicate minerals have commercially important applications and are essential for various industries.