What is the most common mineral group in the Earth's crust?
Silicates
Carbonates
Sulfides
Oxides
The most common mineral group in the Earth's crust is the silicates. Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen in their chemical composition, often combined with other elements such as aluminum, magnesium, and iron.
Incorrect options
b) Carbonates: Carbonates are minerals that contain the carbonate ion in their chemical composition. While they are important constituents of rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, they are not as abundant as silicates in the Earth's crust.
c) Sulfides: Sulfides are minerals that contain sulfur and one or more metals in their chemical composition, such as pyrite (FeS2) and galena (PbS). While they are important in the formation of metallic ore deposits, they are not as abundant as silicates in the Earth's crust.
d) Oxides: Oxides are minerals that contain oxygen and one or more metals in their chemical composition, such as hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4). While they are important in the formation of metallic ore deposits and as pigments, they are not as abundant as silicates in the Earth's crust.