Silicate Minerals, Phosphate Minerals, and Other Minerals

Silicate minerals are a major mineral component of the earth's crust. The basic unit of silicate minerals is a silicate ion, a combination of silicon in the center and four oxygen in the apices of a pyramid. The silicate ions are connected and make various structural units of silicate minerals. As we move from the right side to the left, the structure of silicates become more complicated. Many of the gem minerals such as garnet, topaz, and tourmaline belong to the silicate mineral group.

A showcase on the right displays beautiful vivid minerals including phosphate and vanadate.