Minerals are classified by their chemical composition as Silicates, Phosphorites, carbonates, and halides are all major mineral groups.
Silicates contain silicon (Si) and oxygen (O), the two most abundant elements in the earth and comprise the majority of Earth's crust. They have a chemical formula SiO2. Common silicate minerals include olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, mica and quartz.
Phosphorites are sedimentary rocks of biochemical origin and are rich in phosphate with chemical formula PO4. They are mostly used as chemical fertilizers. They are also used as food preservatives, anti-corrosion agent and also in the field of metallurgy. Limestone and mudstone are common phosphate bearing rocks.Carbonates are the minerals mostly found in the Earth’s near surface crust. They have ...
