Common Tectosilicate Minerals Quartz--SiO2 Opal--SiO2.nH2O Microcline--KAl(Si3O8) Orthoclase--KAl(Si3O8) Albite--Na(Si3O8) Anorthite--Ca(Al2Si2O8) Danburite--Ca(B2Si2O8) Leucite--K(AlSi2O6) Nepheline--(Na, K)(AlSiO4) Sodalite--Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2 Lazurite--(Na, Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4, S, Cl)2 Petalite--Li(Si4O10) Marialite--Na4(AlSi3O8)3(Cl, CO3, SO4) Meionite--Ca4(Al2Si2O8)3(Cl, CO3, SO4) Analcime--Na(AlSi2O6).H2O Natrolite--Na2(Al2Si3O10).2H2O Chabazite--Ca(Al2Si4O12).6H2O Heulandite--Ca(Al2Si7O18).6H2O Stilbite--Ca(Al2Si7O18).7H2O The links above will take you to the Mineral Gallery website (http://www.galleries.com).

Nearly 75% of the Earth's crust is made up of minerals of the tectosilicate class. The silicate structures of this class are characterized by a very strong and stable three-dimensional framework. Quartz. As a crystal, quartz is used as a semiprecious gem stone. Cryptocrystalline forms may also be gem stones: agate, jasper, onyx, carnelian, chalcedony, etc. Crystalline gem varieties include amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz, etc. Albite. A member of the feldspar family. Industrially important in glass and ceramic industries; pottery and enamelware; soaps; abrasives; bond for abrasive wheels; cements and concretes; insulating compositions; fertilizer; poultry grit; tarred roofing materials; and as a sizing (or filler) in textiles and paper.

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Silicates/Mineral Groups