Classification of Minerals

Study Notes

Mineral classification is primarily based on chemical composition.
Minerals are categorized depending on the dominant anion or anionic group present in their structure.

Minerals sharing the same anion exhibit stronger similarities than those sharing the same cation.
Minerals with a common anion often coexist in similar geological environments, highlighting their relatedness.
This classification aligns with contemporary chemical practices in naming and categorizing inorganic compounds.

Native Elements: Minerals formed entirely from uncombined elements, including metals, semi-metals, and non-metals.
Sulfides: Composed of metallic cations and are significant sources of ore.
Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates: Comprise phosphorus, arsenic, and vanadium with tetrahedral anionic groups bonded with oxygen.
Sulfates: Feature the sulfate anionic group (SO4) formed by sulfur cation bonded with four oxygen anions.
Borates: Created when boron combines with three oxygen atoms to form borate radicals.
Nitrates: Contain nitrogen bonded to three oxygen atoms, analogous to carbonates.
Carbonates: Combinations of metals or semi-metals with the carbonate anion (CO3).
Halides: Minerals where an anion is derived from a halogen element.
Hydroxides: Composed of metallic elements combined with hydroxyl ions or water.
Oxides: Forms where an oxygen anion combines with one or more metallic elements.

Silicates: Classified by the silicate radical (SiO4), which forms a tetrahedral geometry with oxygen anions surrounding a central silicate cation.
Nesosilicates: Feature isolated silicate groups.
Sorosilicates: Composed of paired silicate groups.
Inosilicates: Include single and double chain silicate structures.
Cyclosilicates: Form rings of silicate groups.
Phylosilicates: Arranged in sheets of silicate layers.
Tecosilicates: Form a three-dimensional framework of interconnected silicate groups.