Here's why:
* Composition: The mantle is primarily made up of silicate minerals, which are compounds containing silicon and oxygen. These minerals also commonly include magnesium and iron.
* Size: The mantle is the thickest layer of Earth, extending from the crust down to the outer core. It makes up about 84% of Earth's volume.
While the crust also contains these elements, it is much thinner than the mantle and has a more diverse composition.