Silicate minerals are composed of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. They make up about 90% of the Earth's crust and are found in a wide variety of rocks, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Some common examples of silicate minerals include:

* Quartz: A very hard and common mineral found in many rocks.

* Feldspar: A group of minerals that are often found in granite and other igneous rocks.

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

* Pyroxene: A group of minerals that are often found in basalt and other volcanic rocks.

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

While other minerals like carbonates and oxides are also important components of rocks, silicates dominate the Earth's crust.