Mineral classification Ch 4 and Ch 11

Silicon tetrahedron

Small cation

tetrahedral coordination

O^2-

Naturally occuring, homogeneous solid with a definite but not necessarily fixed chemical composition that has an arranged atomic arrangement

They refer to the degree of polymerization of silicon tetrahedra i.e. HOW MANY O^2- ARE SHARED

Isolated tetrahedra

Paired tetrahedral

single and double chains

rings

sheets

frameworks

Based mostly on their anions or anioinic complexes, because both have similar physical properties.

single atom who has aquired electrons to have a net negative charge (S⁴⁺)

Anion that is bound to one more more polar molecules or ions. (SO^4-)

(SiO_n)^4-2n

At the highest level, mineral pecies can be classified primarily on main main anion, anionic complex or element to form classes - silicates

applied to silicates where the configuration and bonding of tetrafedra are used to group structurally similar minerals (tectosilicate subclass)

consits of two or more minerals with the similar structure and composed of chemically similar elements (feldspars in tectosilicate subclass)

Consists of two or more minerals related by different cations (solid solution)