Non-Silicate Minerals
A mineral is a natural, inorganic, solid substance with an orderly crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition that occurs in the Earth’s crust.
Non-silicate minerals are minerals that contain elements and compounds other than silicon-oxygen groups. Although they typically make up less than 10% of the Earth's crust compared to silicate minerals, they are economically and industrially very important.
Non-silicate minerals are minerals that contain elements and compounds other than silicon-oxygen groups. Although they typically make up less than 10% of the Earth's crust compared to silicate minerals, they are economically and industrially very important.
Non-Silicate Minerals Main Classifications:
- Carbonates: Contain the carbonate ion CO₃²⁻
Examples: Calcite (CaCO₃), Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) - Oxides: Compounds of metals with oxygen
Examples: Hematite (Fe₂O₃), Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) - Sulfides: Compounds of metals with sulfur
Examples: Galena (PbS), Pyrite (FeS₂), Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) - Sulfates: Contain the sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
Examples: Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), Barite (BaSO₄) - Halides: Compounds with halogen ions (Cl⁻, F⁻)
Examples: Halite (NaCl), Fluorite (CaF₂) - Phosphates: Contain the phosphate ion PO₄³⁻
Example: Apatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)) - Native Elements: Pure elemental minerals
Examples: Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Sulfur (S), Copper (Cu)
