3 concepts
Silicate Units, Silicate Chains, Silicate Sheets
The basic unit of silicate, [SiO4]4- tetrahedron, can form single and double chains and sheets.
Properties of Quartz and Glass
Glass is a non-crystalline solid material made of silica, while quartz is a crystalline silicate mineral with piezoelectric properties.
Aluminosilicates
Aluminosilicate minerals are composed of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.