Silicate
Silicate
Silicate (pronunciation: /ˈsɪlɪkeɪt, -kɪt/) is a term used in chemistry to denote a type of mineral that contains silicon and oxygen, often in combination with one or more metals.
Etymology
The term "silicate" is derived from the Latin word "silex" or "silicis", meaning flint or hard stone, and the chemical suffix "-ate", which is used to denote a salt or ester of an acid.
Definition
Silicates are the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust and are the main constituents of most rocks. They are characterized by their high melting points and hardness, and are typically insoluble in water. Silicates are classified based on the structure of their silicate groups, which can be isolated, paired, in chains, in sheets, or in three-dimensional frameworks.
Related Terms
- Silicon: A chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, and is a tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor.
- Oxygen: A chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as well as with other compounds.
- Mineral: A naturally occurring inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a defined chemical composition.
- Rock: A naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Silicate
- Wikipedia's article - Silicate
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