The Nesosilicate Subclass
(The Single Tetrahedrons)
A subclass of the Silicates


The simplest of all the silicate subclasses, this subclass includes all silicates where the (SiO4) tetrahedrons are unbonded to other tetrahedrons. In this respect they are similar to other mineral classes such as the sulfates and phosphates. These other classes also have tetrahedral basic ionic units (PO4 & SO4) and thus there are several groups and minerals within them that are similar to the members of the nesosilicates. Nesosilicates, which are sometimes referred to as orthosilicates, have a structure that produces stronger bonds and a closer packing of ions and therefore a higher density, index of refraction and hardness than chemically similar silicates in other subclasses. Consequently, there are more gemstones in the nesosilicates than in any other silicate subclass.

These are the members of the Nesosilicate Subclass:

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Much information for this page provided by the Mineral Database.

 

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