1. Silicates: These are the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust, making up over 90% of its composition. Silicates are characterized by their tetrahedral structure, where a silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. Examples include quartz, feldspar, mica, and olivine.
2. Non-silicates: This diverse group includes minerals that are not based on the silicate structure. They are often grouped together based on their chemical composition. Some examples include:
* Carbonates: Minerals containing the carbonate anion (CO3)2-. Examples include calcite and dolomite.
* Oxides: Minerals containing oxygen combined with one or more metals. Examples include hematite and magnetite.
* Sulfides: Minerals containing sulfur combined with one or more metals. Examples include pyrite and galena.
* Sulfates: Minerals containing the sulfate anion (SO4)2-. Examples include gypsum and barite.
* Halides: Minerals containing a halogen element (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) combined with a metal. Examples include halite (rock salt) and fluorite.
* Phosphates: Minerals containing the phosphate anion (PO4)3-. Examples include apatite.
While silicates are the most abundant, non-silicates play important roles in rock formation and are often important resources for various industries.