Chapter 25, Problem 8RQ

What is the difference between a silicate mineral and a nonsilicate mineral?

To determine

The difference between a silicate mineral and a nonsilicate mineral.

Answer to Problem 8RQ

A silicate mineral is composed of silicon and oxygen, whereas the minerals that do not contain silicon and oxygen are called nonsilicate minerals.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between a silicate and a nonsilicate mineral is given in table below:

S.No.	Silicate Mineral	Nonsilicate mineral
1.	These minerals are made of oxygen and silicon.	The minerals that do not contain oxygen and silicon are called nonsilicate minerals.
2.	More than $90\%$ of Earth’s crust is made up of silicate mineral.	Earth’s crust takes up only $8\%$ of nonsilicate mineral.
3.	Silicate mineral comprises of iron and magnesium.	They mainly comprise of carbonates, oxides and sulphides.
4.	Examples of silicate mineral are biotite, quartz and orthoclase.	Examples of nonsilicate minerals are gypsum, copper, dolomite.

Conclusion:

Therefore, A silicate mineral is composed of silicon and oxygen, whereas the minerals that do not contain silicon and oxygen are called nonsilicate minerals.