Here's why:

* Abundant Elements: Silicates are composed primarily of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements in Earth's crust.

* Variety of Forms: Silicates come in a wide variety of forms, each with its unique structure and properties. This diversity allows them to be present in many different types of rocks.

* Major Components of Rocks: Silicates are the major components of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Examples of common silicate minerals:

* Quartz: A very common and hard mineral.

* Feldspar: A group of minerals that make up a significant portion of Earth's crust.

* Mica: A group of minerals that are easily cleaved into thin sheets.

* Pyroxene: A group of minerals that are commonly found in igneous rocks.

* Amphibole: A group of minerals that are commonly found in metamorphic rocks.

So, when you think of the most abundant rock-forming minerals, think "silicates"!