Silicate

(noun)

A silicate (SiO44-) is a compound containing a silicon-bearing anion.

Related Terms

Examples of Silicate in the following topics:

  • Silicate Units, Silicate Chains, Silicate Sheets

    • The basic unit of silicate, [SiO4]4- tetrahedron, can form single and double chains and sheets.
    • The basic building block of all silicate minerals is the [SiO4]4− tetrahedron.
    • Silicate minerals containing chains are termed inosilicates.
    • Silicate minerals containing sheets are termed phyllosilicates.
    • Ball-and-stick model of silicate double chains.

  • Properties of Quartz and Glass

    • Glass is a non-crystalline solid material made of silica, while quartz is a crystalline silicate mineral with piezoelectric properties.

  • Condensation Reactions

    • It is also the basis for the laboratory formation of silicates and polyphosphates.

  • Extractive Metallurgy

    • Metal ores are generally oxides, sulfides and silicates of "native" metals (such as native copper) that are not commonly concentrated in the Earth's crust.