The largest mineral group is called silicates. This group is characterized by minerals containing silicon and oxygen, often with other elements like aluminum, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Native elements are a relatively small mineral group, consisting of minerals made up of a single element, such as gold, silver, copper, sulfur, and diamond (carbon).
While native elements are interesting and valuable, the silicate group is far more numerous and diverse, making up the vast majority of the Earth's crust.
