The minerals are characterized by their EDX spectra and the X-ray diffraction
(XRD) patterns of their powder samples. These data are presented along with an
optical micrograph and an SEM image of each mineral. The SEM images show the
detailed morphological properties of the material. Reference EDX spectra-mimic
graphs showing the reference elemental compositions (atomic number ratios) of each
mineral are also provided. The horizontal axes of the EDX spectra-mimic graphs are
matched with those of the EDX spectra so that readers can easily compare the
exemplified mineral with the reference data.
Si
O
O
O
O
=
Silica
tetrahedron
Cyclosilicates
Sorosilicates
Nesosilicates
Si 2 O 7
6SiO 4
4Si 3 O 9
6Si 4 O 12
8Si 6 O 18
12Inosilicates
Single chain
Double chain
Si 4 O 11
6Si 2 O 6
4Phyllosilicates
Si 4 O 10
4Fig. 2.3 Model structures of silicate and silica minerals. For tectosilicates, refer to Deer et al.
(2013)
2.3 Silicate and Silica Minerals
15
(XRD) patterns of their powder samples. These data are presented along with an
optical micrograph and an SEM image of each mineral. The SEM images show the
detailed morphological properties of the material. Reference EDX spectra-mimic
graphs showing the reference elemental compositions (atomic number ratios) of each
mineral are also provided. The horizontal axes of the EDX spectra-mimic graphs are
matched with those of the EDX spectra so that readers can easily compare the
exemplified mineral with the reference data.
Si
O
O
O
O
=
Silica
tetrahedron
Cyclosilicates
Sorosilicates
Nesosilicates
Si 2 O 7
6SiO 4
4Si 3 O 9
6Si 4 O 12
8Si 6 O 18
12Inosilicates
Single chain
Double chain
Si 4 O 11
6Si 2 O 6
4Phyllosilicates
Si 4 O 10
4Fig. 2.3 Model structures of silicate and silica minerals. For tectosilicates, refer to Deer et al.
(2013)
2.3 Silicate and Silica Minerals
15