10 Silicates (My Lecture) - Handout

GL - 101 Intr.
Mineralogy
Dr. Mulugheta Tewelde

University of Zimbabwe
Department of Geology
Silicates
- Form the largest class of minerals
- Important rock forming minerals and they make up the

bulk of the earth.
- In comparison to others, only few minerals are used as

ores
- Basic structural unit of all silicates is the SiO4 tetrahedra

(silicon atom surrounded by 4 oxygens).
- The linkage of the tetrahedra determines the chemical

formula of the silicates.
Accordingly, there are 5 types of silicates (next slide):

Silicates
- Isle (neso-) and sorosilicates (SiO4)4- or (Si2O7)6-
- Ring (cyclo) silicates (Si6O18)12-
- Chain (ino-) silicates (Si2O6)4- or (Si8O22)12-
- Sheet (phyllo-) silicates (Si4O10)4-
- Framework (tekto-) silicates (SiO2)

Silicates
Silicates
Single-isle (Neso-) silicates:
- contain only one isolated (SiO4)4- tetrahedra.
- no direct linkage between separate silicate anion groups
Silicates
Olivine: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Known also as chrysolite; common rock forming mineral;
peridot (gemstone) is the clear yellow green variety.
Habit: orthorhombic, crystals rare, found commonly

inform of small grains
Physical properties: H = 6.5 – 7; G = 3.27 – 3.37; no cleavage;

conchoidal fracture; luster is vitreous; color is yellow to olive-
green.
Composition: olivine represents an intermediate member in a

solid solution series between forsterite (Mg 2SiO4) and fayalite
(Fe2SiO4).
Silicates
Olivine: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Silicates
Olivine (Contd.):
Occurence: - found mostly in mafic and ultramafic igneous

rocks (gabbro, basalt and peridotite – rock composed of
olivine and pyroxene).
- In dunite (a rare rock), olivine is the only important
mineral present.
- Olivine alters to serpentine;
In Zimbabwe, it is found in the northern part of the Great
Dyke.
Silicates
Zircon: ZrSiO4
Beautiful gems have been cut from zircon. It has a very
high index of refraction; thus a well cut zircon resembles a
diamond.
Is an ore of zirconium (used as an alloy).
Recently, zirconium is used to manufacture zirconia
(ZrO2) that is used as a diamond-substitute.
Habit: tetragonal, found as small crystals.
Physical properties: H = 7.5; G =4.7; luster is brilliant

adamantine; color may be colorless, reddish brown and
yellow.
Silicates
Zircon: ZrSiO4
Composition: zirconium silicate; is not attacked by acid.
Occurence: Zircon is a common accessory mineral in

almost all types of igneous rocks.
Found also in placers (b/c – it has high specific gravity, is
mechanically strong and chemically inert).
Silicates
Garnet: (A2+3B3+2(SiO4)3)
A group of mineral which have similar crystal habits.

The green andradite mineral (demantoid) is cut into
beautiful gems.
- Used as an abrasive;
Habit: isometric; occurs as crystals (dodecahedron);
Physical properites: H = 6.5-7.5; G=3.5-4.3; luster is

vitreous; color  red, colorless, yellow, black and green.
Silicates
Garnet: (A2+3B3+2(SiO4)3) (Contd.):
Composition: general formula: (A2+3 B3+2 (SiO4)3)
A: [8] distorted site = Ca, Mg, Fe, or Mn
B: [6] = Al, Fe3+, or Cr
Garnets are divided into two groups (see next slide)

- Pyralspite and ugrandite;
There is a solid solution series between members
within a group but relatively little between members
of the different groups.
Silicates
The six garnet species
Ugrandite group – Ca in the A site
Grossular Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
Andradite Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
Uvarovite Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3
Pyralspite group – Al in the B site
Pyrope Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
Almandine Fe2+3Al2(SiO4)3
Spessartine Mn3Al2(SiO4)3
Silicates
Garnet (Contd.)
Grossular
Almandine
Andradite
Silicates
Occurrence: is a mineral associated with metamorphic

rocks.
In Zimbabwe, it exists in Mwami area.
Silicates
Topaz: Al2 (SiO4) (F,OH)2
Highly prized as a gemstone. It occurs in many colours

but the yellow stones from Brazil (called precious topaz)
are very valuable.
You will find also deep blue topaz in jeweler‘s windows
and its colour results from a double treatment (radiation
followed by heating).
Habit: orthorhombic; usualy occurs as crystals, but also

massive.
Huge crystals (~ 300 Kg) have been found in Brazil.
Silicates
Topaz: Al2 (SiO4) (F,OH)2
Physical properties: H = 8, G = 3.4 – 3.6; perfect platty

cleavage; luster is vitreous; colour white, yellow, pink,
bluish & greenish.
Composition: aluminum fluorsilicate.
Occurence: mostly associated with granites and other

felsic rocks. Also occurs in quartz veins associated with
tourmaline and cassiterite;
extremely large crystals have been found in Brazil but it
occurs also in various places in the world.
Silicates
Al2OSiO4 or (Al2SiO5)
There are three polymorphs of Al2SiO5; andalusite,

sillimanite (high temperature polymorph) and kyanite
(stable low temperature & high pressure).
sillimanite and kyanite are polymorphs of Al2SiO5
found in regional
metamorphosed rocks
- andalusite in contact
metamorphosed rocks
PT diagram of Al2SiO5 (triple point
= 622°C & 5.5 KB (kilo bar))
Silicates
Andalusite: Al2OSiO4 or (Al2SiO5)
Named after Andalusia (Spain); used to manufacture

mullite (highly refractory porcelain);
Habit: orthorhombic; occurs in prismatic crystals.
Physical properties: H = 7.5; G = 3.16-3.20; luster is

vitreous, colour white, pink, brown or green.
Composition: Al2SiO5
Silicates
Andalusite: Al2OSiO4 or (Al2SiO5)
Occurence: it is a metamorphic mineral, formed during the

contact metamorphism of aluminous shales.
In Zim, it is found in Shamva and Hurungwe areas.
Silicates
Sillimanite: Al2OSiO4 or (Al2SiO5)
H = 6-7, G = 3.23; orthorhombic prisms are common; also

found in a form of aggregates which can be fibrous;
perfect platy cleavage; luster is vitreous; color pale brown
to gray and green; luster is vitreous,
found in aluminous schists and gneisses.

In Zim  in Zambezi and Limpopo belts.
Silicates
Kyanite: Al2OSiO4 or (Al2SiO5)
Named after the Greek word for „blue“; colour is blue;

used to manufacture high refractory material.
- triclinc; occurs in long tabular crystals.
Physical properties: H = 5-7; G = 3.56-3.66; Hardness

varies (parallel to the length of the crystal is 5 and across
the length 7); luster is vitreous to pearly; colour can be
white, gray or green.
- It forms as a result of high pessure metamorphsm of

aluminous shales. Kyanite is found in gneisses and
schists. In Zim, in Hurungwe and Mutoko areas.
Silicates
Staurolite: Fe2Al9O6 (SiO4)4(OH)2
Named from the Greek word „cross and stone“ b/c of its
twin-form;
Habit: monoclinic; twins (two cystals crossing each other)

are common;
Silicates
Staurolite: Fe2Al9O6 (SiO4)4(OH)2
Physical properties: H = 7-7.5, G=3.65-3.75; poor cleavage;

vitreous luster; colour is red, brownish black or gray.
Forms during the medium grade metamorphism of

aluminous shales.
It is found in Zimbabwe in many places such as the
Zambezi valley.
Silicates
Double-isle (Soro-) silicates:
Generally, in the isle silicates, the SiO4 tetrahedra are

found as singlets (SiO4)4- , doublets (Si2O7)6- or, as in
epidote, a mixture of both.
Hemimorphite - Zn4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O
Vesuvianite - Ca10Mg2Al4(Si2O7)2(SiO4)5(OH)4
Zoisite - Ca2AlAl2O(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)
Epidote - Ca2(Al,Fe)Al2O(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)
Silicates
Hemimorphite: Zn4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O
A zinc silicate (a secondary mineral formed by the

alteration of sphalerite); it is found in the oxidied zone of
zinc deposits.
Orthrhombic; habit is mostly botryoidal; usually white,
yellowish or sometimes blue; luster is vitreous; it is also a
valuable ore of zinc.
H = 4.5-5; G=3.4 - 3.5;

Silicates
Vesuvianite: Ca10Mg2Al4(Si2O7)2(SiO4)5(OH)4
Named after its important locality (mount Vesuvious); of

little economic importance;
Habit: tetragonal; has varied habit; found also in massive

form or in striated aggrgates;
Physical properties: H = 6.5; G = 3.35-3.45; luster is

vitreous; commonly brown to green (also in yellow or
bright blue);
Silicates
Vesuvianite: Ca10Mg2Al4(Si2O7)2(SiO4)5(OH)4
Composition: complex; boron or fluorine can be present in

some varities; it is a mixture of double- and single-isle
silicates;
Occurence: found mostly in metamorphosed rocks; it

resembles some brown garnet.
Silicates
Zoisite - Ca2AlAl2O(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)
H = 6.5; G = 3.1-3.3; blue-colored crystals (tanzanite) which

are of gem quality are mined in Tanzania.
Orthorhombic crystal with striations.
Found associated with albite, biotite in schists;
Silicates
Habit: monoclinic; found frequently as cystals; but also

occors in fibrous or columnar aggregates;
Physical properties: H = 6-7; G=3.35-3.45; perfect cleavage

parallel to the basla pinacoid; luster is vitreous; color is
green;
Composition: as with vesuvianite, it has both SiO4 and

Si2O7 – groups.
- It is a common mineral in most metamorphosed rocks;
rocks that are rich in epidote resemble olivine, but it can
Silicates
Alanite (radioactive mineral) and clinozoisite (like epidote

but contains almost no iron) belong also to the epidote
group.
Silicates
Ring (Cyclo-) silicates:
In this group, the SiO4 tetrahedra are linked together as

discrete rings.
3-, 4- and 6 membered rings are known, of which the 6-
membered rings are the common one.
Ring Silicates:
Beryl: Be3Al2Si6O18
Tourmaline: (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4
Cordierite: (Mg,Fe)2Al3(AlSi5O18)
In cordierite, there is a subsitution of aluminum for silicon.

Silicates
Beryl: Be3Al2Si6O18:
Ore of berillium; the two most known gem quality varities
of beryl are aquamarine (blue-green) and emerald (deep
green).
And a fine-colored emarald can be of greater value than a
diamond (of comparable size).
Habit: hexagonal; distinct crystals are common;
Physical properties: H = 7.5-8; G = 2.75-2.80; poor

cleavage; luster is vitreous; color is bluish green or light
yellow; but can be also green, pink, yellow, white or
colorless;
Silicates
Composition: small amounts of cesium are usualy present

which replaces beryllium.
Occurence: top quality emeralds come mostly from South

America.
Good quality emeralds are also found in Zimbabwe.
Silicates
Tourmaline: (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4: is, by

far, the most attractive silicate mineral.
Varities of tourmaline shows lots of colours than any
other; it is applied in scientific apparatus b/c of its
piezoelectricity property.
Habit: rhombohedral; commonly in striated prismatic

crystal; also found in massive aggregates;
Physical properties: H=7-7.5; G=3.0-3.25; no cleavage;

conchoidal fracture; luster is vitreous;
Schorl = iron rich black variety (commonest torumaline)
Dravite = brown (b/c of magnesium)
Silicates
Others include: rubellite, indicolite and verdite.
Piezoelectricity: if a crystal is pressed at the ends of the c-

crystal axis then a positive electric charge is induced at
one end and a negative charge at the other end.
The charge is proportional to the exerted pressure.
Composition: complex;
Occurence: found in variety of rocks; it is highly resistant

to weathering and thus can aso found in sands of streams.
Occurs in many pegmatites in Zim.
Silicates
Chain (ino-) silicates (Si2O6)4- or (Si8O22)12-:
Amphiboles
Tremolite, Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2
Hornblende, NaCa2(Mg,Fe,Al)5(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2
Pyroxenes
Enstatite, Mg2Si2O6
Diopside, CaMgSi2O6
Augite, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Al,Si)2O6
Spodumene, LiAlSi2O6
Jadeite, NaAlSi2O6
Pyroxenoids
Rhodonite, MnSiO3
Wollastonite, CaSiO3
Silicates
In this group, the SiO4 units form long strands. They are
molecules with an electrical charge which is neutralized
by cations that „glue“ the strands together.
There are two types of chains:
- single chain: forms the pyroxenes with the
basic repeat unit being (Si2O6)4-
- double chain: forms the amphiboles; basic
repeat unit is (Si8O22)12-
Silicates
Amphiboles (repeat unit - (Si8O22)12-):

they crystallize in orthorhombic, monoclinic and triclinc
crystal system; but all have similar cleavage (prismatic);
intersection of the cleavage plane is ~ 56° and 124°.
cleavage is the main factor to distinguish amphiboles from
pyroxenes; the pyroxenes have also prismatic cleavage
(87° & 93°).
Mostly, amphiboles tend to be long and slender; and pyroxenes short and
stout.
Of all the amphiboles, tremolite and hornblende are the

most common.
Silicates
Tremolite (Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2):
Habit: monoclinic; prismatic crystals; was applied as

asbestos but now NO (lung cancer);
Physical properties: H=5-6; G=3.0-3.3; perfect prismatic

cleavage (both directions intersect at 124° & 56°); color
white, green; Actinolite (dark green variety);
Composition: iron is usually present; & the higher the iron

content, the darker the mineral; mineral is called actinolite
if iron content is more than 2%.
Silicates
Occurence: fomed during metamorphism of siliceous

dolomites;
In Zim, it is found, amomg others, along the Zambezi
valley.
Silicates
Hornblende, NaCa2(Mg,Fe,Al)5(Si,Al)8O22(OH)2 :
Habit: monoclinic; crystals common; also found n

aggregates;
Physical properties: H=5-6; G=3.2; prismatic cleavage at

56° & 124°; luster is vitreous; color is dark green to black;
Composition: complex
Occurence: common rock forming mineral; found in

metamorphic and igneous rocks; often formed by hydrous
alteration of pyroxene;
Silicates
Occurence: often formed by hydrous alteration of

pyroxene; but crystallizes also directly from melt; it is
most common in amphibolite rocks.
Silicates
Pyroxenes (repeat unit - (Si2O6)4-):
They are one of the most important silicates. They are
similar to the amphiboles; for instance: diopside
(pyroxene) is similar to tremolite (amphibole) and augite
(pyroxene) is similar to hornblende (amphibole).
Enstatite, Mg2Si2O6:
Orthorhombic (but all other pyroxenes are monoclinc);
crystals rare; usually fibrous or massive.
Physical properties: H=5.5; G=3.2 - 3.5; good prismatic

clevage at 87° & 93°; color is grayish white; and yellowish,
greenish or brown if iron present;
Composition: iron can replace Magnesium; if iron more

Silicates
Composition: iron can replace Magnesium;

if iron content is between 5% & 13% = bronzite
if iron more than 13% = hypersthene
Occurence: common mineral in dark colored mafic and

ultramafic minerals;
Silicates
Diopside, CaMgSi2O6:
Monoclinic; prismatic crystals & shows an eight sided
cross section or a square one.
Physical properties: H=5-6; G=3.2-3.3; prismatic cleavage

(but not perfect); color white to light green; and deep
green (in varities rich in iron),
Composition: diopside (CaMgSi2O6) and hedenbergite (if

CaFeSi2O6). A complete solid solution series exists
between these two end-groups.
Silicates
Occurence: found in metamorphic rocks associated with

garnet etc;
Silicates
Augite, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Al,Si)2O6:
Monoclinic; prismatic crystals are common;
Physical properties: H=5-6; G=3.2-3.4; prismatic cleavage

at nearly right angles; color dark green to black;
Composition: the only differnce from other pyroxenes is in

that it contains aluminum.
Occurence: the commonest of all pyroxenes; found in

many igneous rocks;
Silicates
Spodumene, LiAlSi2O6:
Rare mineral; if it occurs abundantly, then it is mined as a

source of lithium; kunzite and hiddenite (green) are cut as
gems.
Habit: monoclinic; prismatic (frequently)
Physical properties: H=6.5-7; G=3.15-3.20; perfect

prismatic cleavage at 87° & 93°; color is, among others,
white to gray;
Occurence: in Zimbabwe, it is found in pegmatites.
Silicates
Jadeite, NaAlSi2O6:
Habit: monoclinic; crystals are rare;
Physical properties: H=6.5; G=3.2-3.4; good prismatic

cleavage; color green and white
Occurence: formed by the metamorphism of sodium rich

rocks; important producer is Burma.
Silicates
Pyroxenoids:
Have a complicated linkage among the chains;
Rhodonite (MnSiO3): color is rose red; not common

mineral;
Habit: triclinc;
Physical properties: H=5.5-6; G=3.4-3.7; shows (on some

surfaces) alteration to a black manganese oxide;
Occurence: formed as a result of metamorphism of

manganese rich rocks;
Silicates
Pyroxenoids:
Wollastonite (CaSiO3):
Habit: H = 5-5.5; G= 2.8-2.9; a result of a metamorphism of

siliceous limestone;
Triclinc; occures as aggregates; luster is vitreous; color is
white to gray; mines for use in the manufacture of tiles.
Silicates
Phyllo (Sheet-) silicates:
- Basic structural unit is the SiO4 tetrahedron. Here, the
linking of the tetrahedra is confined to a single plane. This
gives them a perfect platy cleavage.
Silicates
Kaolinite Al4Si4O10(OH)8
Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O10(OH)2
Mica Group
Muscovite KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Biotite K(Mg,Fe)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Phlogopite KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Lepidolite K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si)4O10(OH,F)2
Serpentiine Mg6Si4O10(OH)8
Talc Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
Chlorite group
Chlorite (Mg,Fe,Al)6(Al,Si)4O10(Oh)8
Other sheet silicates
Apophyllite KCa4(Si4O10)2F.8H2O
Prehnite Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2
Chrysocolla Cu4H4Si4O10(OH)8
Silicates
Kaolinite (Al4Si4O10(OH)8):
Chief constituent of kaolin or clay; It is of secondary origin
(alteration product of aluminum silicates – especially
feldspars).
Clay is an important substance used to manufacture
products such as brick, tile, porcelleain etc.
Property of clay: - can be formed into any desired shape
and – when heated, water is released and it becomes hard.
Habit: monoclinic, usually in earthy fine-grained masses.
Physical properties: H = 2-2.5, G = 2.6; perfect platy

cleavage, earthy luster, often white (in pure form).
Silicates
Composition: Kaolinite is hydrous aluminum silicate.

Distinguishing between clay minerals difficult without x-
ray tests.
Occurence: a widespread mineral. For instance, it can be

formed by a low temperature hydrothermal alteration of
feldspar in granite.
Silicates
Serpentine (Mg6Si4O10(OH)8):
- No crystals exist. Serpentine assumes a variety of forms.
- Those crystals of serpentine that are found in nature are
pseudomorphs.
-For instance, olivine is changed to serpentine
but the form of olivine remains.
- The fine fibrous variety of serpentine, chrysotile, is of
great commercial importance (b/c of its application in the
production of heat and fire-resistant bricks).
- Chrysotile is most abundant type of asbestos.
Habit: monoclinic; antigorite = platy type of serpentine;

lizardite = massive polymorph.
Silicates
Physical properties: (H = 4; G = 2.5); luster greasy (in

massive form) and silky (in fibrous form).
Composition: hydrous magnesium silicate; it decompses

by HCl.
Occurence: - Serpentine is formed by alteration of rocks

composed of olivine, enstatite and other pyroxenes by
temperatures under 400°C.
- Russia is the largest producer of chrysotile asbestos.
Common mineral in Zimabwe along the Great Dyke.
Silicates
Talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2):
- Softest mineral; easily scratched by a fingernail; slippery
and soapy feel.
- Has many uses: paint, paper, roofing material, rubber
etc.
Habit: monoclinic, found mostly in compact or floiated

form.
Physical poperties: H = 1; G = 2.7 – 2.8; perfect platy

cleavage; pearly luster; color may be white, green or dark
gray (all in massive form).
Silicates
Occurence: formed by alteration of rocks (having olivine

and pyroxene) underlying the ocean floors.
Can also be formed by the thermal metamorphism of
serpentine.
Found in the Lomagundi dolomites in Zimbabwe.
Silicates
Mica Group:
- perfect cleavage (can be split into leaves thinner than a

paper); it is difficult to set a lower limit to the thickness of
the plate.
- Plate retains its original form after bending (elastic).
- Are complex aluminum silicates with mainly potassium
and hydroxyl.
Brittle micas: appear similar to the true micas, but they are
not elastic as them.
Silicates
Muscovite (KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2:
- Known also as white mica, common mica and potash

mica.
Muscovite is an electrical and heat insulator. Fine grained
mica (scrap mica) is used in manuacturing of wallpaper or
as lubricant (if mixed with oil).
Habit: monoclinic (appear pseudohexagonal); (even when

the sheets have no regular shape, their structure confirms the
pseudohexagonal outline; this is illustrated when a blunt point is held
against a sheet and struck a blow with a hammer). A six-rayed star
with branches intersecting at angles of 60° results).
Silicates
Physical properties: H = 2 – 2.5; G = 2.76 – 2.88. perfect

platy cleavage parallel to the basal pinacoid; luster is
vitreous to pearly; colorless & transparent (in thin sheets)
and dark brown (in thicker blocks); can also be yellow,
pink or green.
Composition: a silicate of aluminum and potassium; it

fuses with difficulty.
Occurence: an abundant mineral found over the full range

of metamorphism; formed during the metamorphism of
sediments and felsic volcanic rocks; in some pegmatite
dykes, it is found in immense sheets (~ a meter long)
Silicates
Occurence (contd.): and it has been mined from such kind

of pegmatite dykes in America. In Zimbabwe, from
pegmatites (around Karoi).
Silicates
Biotite K(Mg, Fe)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2:
- Few uses (in comparison to muscovite); commercially

important only in form of vermiculite (its alteration
product);
- vermiculite: swells (to many times its size) if heated
forming thereby a cavity (air space) between the plates.
This makes it an important heat insulator.
Habit: monoclinic, found as aggregates.
Physical properties: H = 2.5 – 3, G = 2.8-3.2; perfect

cleavage; luster pearly; mostly black in color (but also green or
brown.
Silicates
Composition: is a potassium magnesium iron silicate.
Occurence: most abundant mica; is a product of low-

grade metamorphism of clay rich sedimentary rocks;
Vermiculite has been mined, among others, in South
Africa.
It is common in may rocks in Zimbabwe.
Silicates
Phlogopite K(Mg)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2:
- Is a magnesium mica; resembles biotite but lacks iron

which makes it a good electrical insulator (like muscovite).
Habit: monocline; found as foliated masses.
Physical properties: H = 2.5 – 3; G = 2.86; perfect platy

cleavage; color may be yellow, brown, green or white.
Composition: phologopite is a hydrous potassium

magnesium aluminum silicate. It decmoposes if boiled in a
concentrated sulfuric acid.
Silicates
Phlogopite K(Mg)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2:
Occurence: mostly found in metamorphosed limestones

and dolomites.
Silicates
Lepidolite K(Li,Al)3(AlSi)4O10(OH, F)2:
- In comparison to the other micas, it is very rare.

- found mostly in pegamtites.
- mined as a source of lithium.
Silicates
- Chlorite group
- This group is made up of several minerals, the main
members being clinochlore, prochlorite and penninite.
They are together discribed as „chlorite“.
Chlorite: (Mg,Fe,Al)6(Al,Si)4O10(OH)8
Habit: monoclinic; crystals are rare; mostly found as

aggregates.
Physical properties: H = 2-2.5; G = 2.6 -2.9; perfect platy

cleavage parallel to the basal pinacoid; in contrary to the
elastic thin cleavages of mica, those of chlorite are not
elastic.
Silicates
- Chlorite group
Physical properties (contd.): colour is green (hence named

chlorite - a Greek word for green);
Composition: hydrous iron-magnesium aluminum

silicates; they fuse with difficulty.
Occurence: index mineral for the presence of greenschist

metamorphism; forms as a result of a low temperature
metamorphism of clay-rich sediments ad mafic igneous
rocks.
Common in Zimbabwe.
Silicates
- Other sheet silicates include:
- Apophyllite KCa4(Si4O10)2F.8H2O
- Prehnite Ca2Al(AlSi3O10) (OH)2
- Chrysocolla Cu4H4Si4O10(OH)8
Silicates
Framework (tekto-) silicates (SiO2):
- a polymerization of the silica terahedra gives rise to
different kinds of structures, in which aluminum
substitutes for silicon in a ratio of 1:1.
- e.g: to understand this, let us write the formula

of pure silica (SiO2) as 4[SiO2] = Si4O8.
- a substitution of silicon by aluminum delivers:
(AlSi3O8)-.
- And finally, a charge balance by K+ or Na+ yield
the alkali feldspars (like KAlSi3O8).
Silicates
- Silica group Scapolite series
Quartz, SiO2 scapolite
Tridymite, SiO2 Feldspathoids
Cristobalite, SiO2 Leucite, KAlSi2O6
Opal SiO2.nH2O Nepheline, (Na,K)2Al2Si2O8
Potasium feldspars sodalite, Na8(Al2Si2O8)Cl2
Sanidine, KAlSi3O8 Lazurite, Na8(Al2Si2O8)3S
Orthoclase, KAlSi3O8 Zeoloites
Microcline, KAlSi3O8 Heulandite, CaAl2Si7O18.6H2O
Plagioclase feldspars Stilbite, NaCa2Al5Si13O36.14H2O
albite, NaAlSi3O8 Chabazite, CaAl2Si4O12.6H2O
anorthite, CaAl2Si2O8 Analcime, Na2Al2Si4O12.2H2O
Natrolite, Na2Al2Si3O10.2H2O
Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
- Most common mineral
Habit: rhombohedral, most common is hexagonal with

horizontal stariations.
Physical properties: H = 7, G = 2.66, cannot be scrtached

by a knife but it easily scratches glass. Luster is vitreous,
impure varities like jasper are dull.
-colour usually colourless but also purple, yellow, brown,
pink.
Composition: SiO2, grouped with silicates b/c of its

Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
Composition: SiO2, grouped with silicates (tan with the

oxides) b/c of its properties.
- a lot of varities, such as:
Smoky quartz (brown), amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow),
milky quartz (milky), rose quartz (pale to deep pink)
Quartz with inclusions:

- rutilated quartz (needles of rutile in quartz)
Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
Composition (contd.):
 fine grained varities:
- these are divided into two groups: fibrous and
granular
- fibrous varities:
- e.g: chalcedony, agate
- granular varities:
- e.g: jasper, chert
Occurence: - important constituent of granites, gneiss,

mica shist and others.
Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
Occurence (Contd.): - important constituent of granites,

gneiss, mica shist and others.
- sands of the sea shore
- Well formed crystals are found in veins
- In cavities of pegmatites
Tridymite and crystobalite (SiO2): high temperature forms

of silica.
Opal, SiO2.nH2O: contains few percent of water, applied

as a gemstone.
Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
Opal, SiO2.nH2O:
Habit: not crystalline (amorphous)
Physical properties: H = 5 - 6, G = 1.9 – 2.2, color white to

yellow, red, brown, green, gray, black.
Types of opal:
- precious opal (most beautiful and found
commonly in Australia)
- common opal (shows no beautiful colours)
Silicates
-Silica group:
Quartz:
Opal, SiO2.nH2O:
Composition: SiO2.nH2O (contains water between 3 and

10%),
- unlike quartz, it is soluble in alkalies.
Occurence: Australia is the main source of opal,

Silicates
Feldspar group:
- Most important group of silicates. They are also part of
most crystalline rocks. - some are triclinic and some
monoclinic. - All have cleavage in two directions.
- hardness is about 6 (not scratched by a knife).
- specific gravity lies b/n 2.55 and 2.75.
- Colour is variable (white, pale, yellow, reddish, greenish
or also gray).
Sanidine, Orthoclase and microcline (KAlSi3O8)

- Are known as „potash feldspar“.
- All have the same chemical composition, physical
properties and occurence. In hand specimen, it is difficult
to distinguish between them.
Silicates
Feldspar group:
- Used in the manufacture of porcelain.
- In glass industry, it functions as a source of alumnum.
Habit: sanidine and orthoclase are monoclinic and

microcline is triclinic.
- Albite twinning is mostly present in microcline and it is
also twinned acording to the pericline law.
Physical properties: H = 6, G = 2.57, its name originates

from two Greek words that mean „erect“ and „fracture“
refering to the prominent two cleavages at right angles.
And microcline means in Greek „little“ and „inclined“
(meaning cleavage is inclined from a right angle).
Silicates
Feldspar group:
Physical properties (Contd.): Luster is vitreous, color is

commenly white, reddish or pale yellow. A green variety of
microcline (amazonite) is used as an ornament.
Composition: chemically almost the same.
Occurence: sanidine usually found as glassy crystal in various

volcanic rocks (such as trachyte). Orthoclase is common in
granite and gneiss. And othoclase in pegmatites.
Silicates
Feldspar group:
Albite (NaAlSi3O8) and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8)
both are the isostructural end members of a solid solution

series (they mix in all proportions: thereby giving rise to
intermediate compositions) known as the plagioclase
feldspars.
percent anorthite
Albite 0-10
Oligoclase 10-30
Andesine 30-50
Labradorite 50-70
Bytownite 70-90
Anorthite 90-100
Silicates
Feldspar group:
Habit: plagioclase are triclinc; twinning (albite twinning) is

very common;
Physical properties: H = 6; G = 2.62 – 2.76; hardness is 6,

specific gravity varies form 2.62 for albite to 2.76 for
anorthite. Color is colorless, white, gray.
Aventurine is a variety of oligoclase that contains
haematite inclusions which gives it a golden shimmer.
Composition: see above

Silicates
Feldspar group:
Occurence: are widely distributed (in most igneous rocks),

albite is also found in pegmatite dikes.
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
- Feldspthoids (belong also to rock forming minerals) form
when there is no sufficient silica to form quartz and also
insufficient silica to combine with the aluminum and
alkalies to form feldspars.
- leucite, nepheline, sodalite and lazurite are the most
important of them.
Leucite (KAlSi2O6):
Habit: tetragonal, pseudoisometric (when the crystals
formed from a hot magma, they were initially isometric but
then a rearrangemnt of the internal sructure takes place at
605°C giving rise to the tetagonal crystal system).
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
Leucite (KAlSi2O6):
Physical properties: (H = 5.5 – 6; G = 2.45 – 2.50), leucite is
a Greek word for white; color is white to gray.
Composition: Leucite has the same element as orthoclase

but contains only 55% SiO2 (& orthoclase contains 64.7%
SiO2). If orthoclase is melted, it forms leucite and liquid.
Occurence: high-temperature mineral found in certain

types of volcanic rocks. For instance, it is the major
constituent of lamproite (a rock that is enriched in
potassium and has a deficit in silica).
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
Nepheline (Na,K)2Al2Si2O8:
Habit: hexagonal, usually massive
Physical properties: (H = 5.5 – 6; G = 2.55 – 2.65), luster is

vitreous (in crystalline) and greasy (if massive); color is
white to yellow (in crystal) but gray, greenish or reddish (if
massive)
Composition: resembles to the plagioclases but contains

an extra sodium. Soluble in HCl and thus it can be
distinguished for feldspar.
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
Nepheline (Na,K)2Al2Si2O8:
Occurence: is very rare. It is found only in igneous rocks

and pegmatite dikes that have a deficiency of silica and
are rich in alkali.
It is found mostly in rocks like nepheline-syenite and
phonolite.
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
Sodalite and lazurite Na8(Al2Si2O8)3(Cl2,S):
Both are blue in color. Lapis lazuli‘s (gemstone) mineral
name is lazurite; and in a powder-form, it was used as a
blue colour pigment (known as ultramarine which is now
manufactured synthetically).
Habit: both are isostructural and cubic. Usually massive

and compact.
Physical properties:
(Sodalite H = 5.5 – 6; G = 2.15 – 2.30), (Lazurite H = 5-5.5; G
= 2.4 – 2.45), usually colour is blue but sodalite can be
white, gray, yellow or red: Lazurite is deep azure-blue to
geenish-blue.
Silicates
Feldspathoids:
Sodalite and lazurite Na8(Al2Si2O8)3(Cl2,S):
Composition: sodalite is aluminum silicate wih chlorine

Na8(Al2Si2O8)3Cl2 while lazurite is aluminum silicate with
sulfur Na8(Al2Si2O8)3S. Both are soluble in HCl.
Occurence: both sodalite and lazurite are rare rock-

forming mineral; and they are found, among other places,
in Russia & Arkansas. Excellent lapis lazuli come form
Afganistan.
It is difficult to distinguish bteween them but the
association of pyrite with lazurite can be taken as a
distinguishing criteria.
Silicates
Zeolites:
- Are all hydrous silicates (contain water that is released
when the sample is heated) and they include a number of
beautiful minerals.
Hardness (3.5 – 5.5) and specific gravity (2.0 – 2.4) is low
which is the case in most hydrous silicates.
Zeolites react differently when heated than other hydrous

silicates. In contrary to other hydrous silicates, the
structure of zeolites do not collapse. The water in zeolites
is weakly held in channelways and is driven off at
relatively low temperatures without the collapse of the
structure. And a dehydrated zeolite can be rehydrated by
immersion in water.
Silicates
Zeolites:
- Because of their large interconnected cavities, zeolites
are called molecuar sieves. They can selectively absorb
certain hydrocarbons and exclude others.
- also applied as water softeners, in which the Ca2+ of
hardwater is exchanged for Na+ of the zeolite.
- currently, they are produced synthetically.
- All zeolites are secondary minerals, which means unlike

the feldspar and quartz (etc), which are an essential part of
the rock, they crystallized subsequent to the formation of
the rock in which they occur.
- They are formed upon burial of rocks at temperatures
form 100 to 250°C (indicators of a low degree of
metamorphism).
Silicates
Zeolites:
- Zeolites may be found, among others, along cracks in
almost any kind of rock.
- Heulandite, Stilbite, Chabazite, Analcime and Natrolite

belong to the zeolites.
Heulandite (CaAl2Si7O18.6H2O):
Habit: monoclinic,

vitreous, perfect cleavage, colorless or white.
Composition: hydrous calcium aluminum silicate.

Silicates
Zeolites:
Stilbite (NaCa2Al5Si13O36.14H2O):
Habit: monoclinic, usually found in bundles of crystals.

pearly, perfect platy cleavage, color usually white, but also
yellow, red or brown.
Composition: hydrous calcium-sodium aluminum silicate.

Silicates
Zeolites:
Chabazite (CaAl2Si4O12.6H2O):
Habit: rhombohedral, twins are usual.
Physical properties: (H = 4 – 5; G = 2.05 – 2.15), luster is

vitreous, rhombohedral cleavage, color usually white, but
also yellow, red.
Composition: hydrous calcium aluminum silicate.

Silicates
Zeolites:
Analcime (Na2Al2Si4O12.2H2O):
Habit: isometric, resembles in form like that of garnet

(trapezohedral crystals),
Physical properties: (H = 5 – 5.5; G = 2.27), luster is

vitreous, color is colorless or white.
Composition: hydrous aluminum silicate.

Silicates
Zeolites:
Natrolite (Na2Al2Si3O10.2H2O):
Habit: orthorhombic, usually in needlelike crystals (thus

sometimes called the needle zeolite),
Physical properties: (H = 5 – 5.5; G = 2.25), luster is

vitreous, color is colorless or white but can also be gray,
yellow or reddish.
Composition: hydrous sodium aluminum silicate.

10 Silicates (My Lecture) - Handout

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GL - 101 Intr.

Dr. Mulugheta Tewelde

- Important rock forming minerals and they make up the

- In comparison to others, only few minerals are used as

- Basic structural unit of all silicates is the SiO4 tetrahedra

- The linkage of the tetrahedra determines the chemical

Accordingly, there are 5 types of silicates (next slide):

- Ring (cyclo) silicates (Si6O18)12-

- Chain (ino-) silicates (Si2O6)4- or (Si8O22)12-

- Sheet (phyllo-) silicates (Si4O10)4-

- Framework (tekto-) silicates (SiO2)

Habit: orthorhombic, crystals rare, found commonly

Physical properties: H = 6.5 – 7; G = 3.27 – 3.37; no cleavage;

Composition: olivine represents an intermediate member in a

Occurence: - found mostly in mafic and ultramafic igneous

Habit: tetragonal, found as small crystals.

Physical properties: H = 7.5; G =4.7; luster is brilliant

Composition: zirconium silicate; is not attacked by acid.

Occurence: Zircon is a common accessory mineral in

A group of mineral which have similar crystal habits.

Habit: isometric; occurs as crystals (dodecahedron);

Physical properites: H = 6.5-7.5; G=3.5-4.3; luster is

Composition: general formula: (A2+3 B3+2 (SiO4)3)

A: [8] distorted site = Ca, Mg, Fe, or Mn

B: [6] = Al, Fe3+, or Cr

Garnets are divided into two groups (see next slide)

The six garnet species

Ugrandite group – Ca in the A site

Pyralspite group – Al in the B site

Occurrence: is a mineral associated with metamorphic

Highly prized as a gemstone. It occurs in many colours

Habit: orthorhombic; usualy occurs as crystals, but also

Physical properties: H = 8, G = 3.4 – 3.6; perfect platty

Composition: aluminum fluorsilicate.

Occurence: mostly associated with granites and other

There are three polymorphs of Al2SiO5; andalusite,

Named after Andalusia (Spain); used to manufacture

Habit: orthorhombic; occurs in prismatic crystals.

Physical properties: H = 7.5; G = 3.16-3.20; luster is

Occurence: it is a metamorphic mineral, formed during the

H = 6-7, G = 3.23; orthorhombic prisms are common; also

found in aluminous schists and gneisses.

Named after the Greek word for „blue“; colour is blue;

Physical properties: H = 5-7; G = 3.56-3.66; Hardness

- It forms as a result of high pessure metamorphsm of

Habit: monoclinic; twins (two cystals crossing each other)

Physical properties: H = 7-7.5, G=3.65-3.75; poor cleavage;

Forms during the medium grade metamorphism of

Generally, in the isle silicates, the SiO4 tetrahedra are

A zinc silicate (a secondary mineral formed by the

H = 4.5-5; G=3.4 - 3.5;

Named after its important locality (mount Vesuvious); of

Habit: tetragonal; has varied habit; found also in massive

Physical properties: H = 6.5; G = 3.35-3.45; luster is

Composition: complex; boron or fluorine can be present in

Occurence: found mostly in metamorphosed rocks; it

H = 6.5; G = 3.1-3.3; blue-colored crystals (tanzanite) which

Habit: monoclinic; found frequently as cystals; but also

Physical properties: H = 6-7; G=3.35-3.45; perfect cleavage

Composition: as with vesuvianite, it has both SiO4 and

Alanite (radioactive mineral) and clinozoisite (like epidote

In this group, the SiO4 tetrahedra are linked together as

In cordierite, there is a subsitution of aluminum for silicon.