silicate classes

Orthosilicates (Nesosilicates)

Each tetrahedron shares no oxygen; chemical formula: SiO4^{4-}; crystal structure: isolated tetrahedra; example mineral: Olivine.

Disilicates (Sorosilicates)

Each tetrahedron shares two oxygen; chemical formula: Si2O7^{6-}; crystal structure: double tetrahedra; example mineral: Epidote.

Ring silicates (Cyclosilicates)

Each tetrahedron shares two oxygen; chemical formula: (Si6O18)^{12-}; crystal structure: ring-like structure; example mineral: Beryl.

Chain silicates (Inosilicates) - Single Chains

Each tetrahedron shares two oxygen in single chains; chemical formula: (SiO3)^{2-}; crystal structure: single chains; example mineral: Pyroxene.

Chain silicates (Inosilicates) - Double Chains

Each tetrahedron shares three oxygen in double chains; chemical formula: (Si4O11)^{6-}; crystal structure: double chains; example mineral: Amphibole.

Sheet silicates (Phyllosilicates)

Each tetrahedron shares three oxygen; chemical formula: Si2O5^{2-}; crystal structure: sheets; example mineral: Mica.

Framework silicates (Tectosilicates)

Each tetrahedron shares four oxygen; chemical formula: SiO2; crystal structure: 3D frameworks; example mineral: Quartz.