Quartz is formed from pure silica.
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Quartz is made up of silicon and oxygen (SiO2) and has a distinct crystal structure. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth and has a wide range of colors and varieties. Unlike other silicate minerals, quartz is highly resistant to weathering and is very hard (7 on the Mohs scale).
There are numerous silicate minerals present in Mohs hardness scale. Some examples include quartz (hardness of 7), feldspar (hardness of 6), and amphibole (hardness varies based on composition). Each of these minerals falls at different points on the scale, indicating their relative hardness compared to other minerals.
No, iron ore is not a silicate mineral. Iron ore is typically composed of iron oxides, such as hematite and magnetite, which are not silicate minerals. Silicate minerals are minerals that contain silica, oxygen, and other elements like silicon and aluminum.
Yes, non-silicate minerals can still contain oxygen. For example, carbonates such as calcite and dolomite are non-silicate minerals that contain oxygen along with carbon and other elements.
The mineral containing silicon, oxygen, and usually one or more other elements is called silicate. Silicates are the largest and most important class of minerals, making up over 90% of Earth's crust. Examples of silicate minerals include quartz, feldspar, and mica.
When each tetrahedron shares three of its oxygen atoms with other tetrahedra, a framework silicate structure is formed. This structure results in a three-dimensional network of interconnected tetrahedra, giving rise to minerals such as quartz and feldspar.