These minerals make up the vast majority of the Earth's crust and mantle, and they are the building blocks of most of the rocks we see around us.
Some examples of common rock-forming minerals include:
* Feldspars: These are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust, making up about 60% of its composition. They are typically white or light-colored and have a glassy luster.
* Quartz: This is another very common mineral, making up about 12% of the Earth's crust. Quartz is known for its hardness, durability, and characteristic glassy luster.
* Micas: This group of minerals is known for their perfect cleavage, which allows them to be easily split into thin sheets. They are commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
* Pyroxenes: These are dark-colored minerals that are often found in igneous rocks. They have a characteristic elongated shape and are often found alongside olivine.
* Amphiboles: This group of minerals is similar to pyroxenes, but they have a different crystal structure. They are also often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
* Olivine: This is a greenish-colored mineral that is found in mafic and ultramafic rocks. It is often found in the Earth's mantle.
These are just a few examples of the many rock-forming minerals that make up our planet.
