Minerals are classified mainly by their chemical composition and crystal structure. Scientists group minerals into classes based on the dominant chemical element or compound they contain.
Here are the major mineral classes:
- Silicates
- Contain silicon and oxygen
- Most common mineral group in Earth’s crust
- Examples: quartz, feldspar, mica
- Carbonates
- Contain the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻)
- Examples: calcite, dolomite
- Oxides
- Contain oxygen combined with metals
- Examples: hematite, magnetite
- Sulfides
- Contain sulfur combined with metals
- Important ore minerals
- Examples: pyrite, galena
- Sulfates
- Contain the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻)
- Examples: gypsum, barite
- Halides
- Formed with halogen elements like chlorine or fluorine
- Examples: halite, fluorite
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