Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.

htm

EENS 2110 Mineralogy

Tulane University Prof. Stephen A. Nelson
Silicate Structures, Structural Formula,
Neso-, Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates

This document last updated on 06-Nov-2014

Silicate Structures and Structural Formula

As we discussed in a previous lecture, the Element Wt% Atomic% Volume%

relative abundance of elements in the Earth's O 46.60 62.55 ~94
crust determines what minerals will form and Si 27.72 21.22 ~6
what minerals will be common. Because
Al 8.13 6.47
Oxygen and Silicon are the most abundant
elements, the silicate minerals are the most Fe 5.00 1.92
common. Thus, we will spend some time here Ca 3.63 1.94
discussing the structure, chemistry, and Na 2.83 2.34
occurrence of silicate minerals. Our systematic
discussion of the common rock forming K 2.59 1.42
minerals will follow in the lectures throughout Mg 2.09 1.84
the remainder of the course. Total 98.59 100.00 100

Rx/Rz C.N. Type

Hexagonal or Cubic
In order to discuss the silicates and their 1.0 12
Closest Packing
structures it is first necessary to remember
that the way atoms are packed together or 1.0 - 0.732 8 Cubic
coordinated by larger anions, like oxygen 0.732 - 0.414 6 Octahedral
depends on the radius ratio of the cation to 0.414 - 0.225 4 Tetrahedral
the anion, Rx/Rz.
0.225 - 0.155 3 Triangular
<0.155 2 Linear

Since oxygen is the most abundant element in the crust, oxygen will be the major anion that
coordinates the other other cations. Thus, for the major ions that occur in the crust, we can
make the following table showing the coordination and coordination polyhedra that are
expected for each of the common cations.

1 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

C.N. Coord.
Ion Ionic Radius, Å
(with Oxygen) Polyhedron
K+ 8 - 12 cubic to closest 1.51 (8) - 1.64 (12)
Na+ 8-6 cubic to 1.18 (8) - 1.02 (6)
Ca+2 8-6 octahedral 1.12 (8) - 1.00 (6)
Mn+2 6 0.83
Fe+2 6 0.78
Mg+2 6 0.72
Octahedral
Fe+3 6 0.65
Ti+4 6 0.61
Al+3 6 0.54
Al+3 4 0.39
Tetrahedral
Si+4 4 0.26
C+4 3 Triangular 0.08

The radius ratio of Si+4 to O-2 requires that Si+4 be coordinated by 4 O-2 ions in tetrahedral
coordination.
In order to neutralize the +4 charge on the Si cation, one negative
charge from each of the Oxygen ions will reach the Si cation. Thus,
each Oxygen will be left with a net charge of -1, resulting in a
SiO4-4 tetrahedral group that can be bonded to other cations. It is
this SiO4-4 tetrahedron that forms the basis of the silicate minerals.

Since Si+4 is a highly charged cation, Pauling's rules state that it should be separated a far as
possible from other Si+4 ions. Thus, when these SiO4-4 tetrahedrons are linked together, only
corner oxygens will be shared with other SiO4-4 groups. Several possibilities exist and give
rise to the different silicate groups.

Nesosilicates (Island Silicates)

If the corner oxygens are not shared with other SiO4-4 tetrahedrons, each
tetrahedron will be isolated. Thus, this group is often referred to as the island
silicate group. The basic structural unit is then SiO4-4. In this group the oxygens
are shared with octahedral groups that contain other cations like Mg+2, Fe+2, or
Ca+2. Olivine is a good example: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4.

2 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Sorosilicates (Double Island Silicates)

If one of the corner oxygens is shared with another tetrahedron, this gives rise to
the sorosilicate group. It is often referred to as the double island group because
there are two linked tetrahedrons isolated from all other tetrahedrons. In this case,
the basic structural unit is Si2O7-6. A good example of a sorosilicate is the mineral
hemimorphite - Zn4Si2O7(OH).H2O. Some sorosilicates are a combination of
single and double islands, like in epidote - Ca2(Fe+3,Al)Al2(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH).

Cyclosilicates (Ring Silicates)

If two of the oxygens are shared and the structure is arranged in a

ring, such as that shown here, we get the basic structural unit of
the cyclosilcates or ring silicates. Shown here is a six membered
ring forming the structural group Si6O18-12. Three membered
rings, Si3O9-6, four membered rings, Si4O12-8, and five membered
rings Si5O15-10 are also possible. A good example of a
cyclosilicate is the mineral Beryl - Be3Al2Si6O18.

Inosilicates (Single Chain Silicates)

If two of the oxygens are shared in a way to make long single chains of
linked SiO4 tetrahedra, we get the single chain silicates or inosilicates. In
this case the basic structural unit is Si2O6-4 or SiO3-2. This group is the
basis for the pyroxene group of minerals, like the orthopyroxenes
(Mg,Fe)SiO3 or the clinopyroxenes Ca(Mg,Fe)Si2O6.

Inosilicates (Double Chain Silicates)

If two chains are linked together so that each tetrahedral group

shares 3 of its oxygens, we can from double chains, with the
basic structural group being Si4O11-6. The amphibole group of
minerals are double chain silicates, for example the tremolite -
ferroactinolite series - Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2.

3 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Phyllosilicates (Sheet Silicates)

If 3 of the oxygens from each tetrahedral group are shared

such that an infinite sheet of SiO4 tetrahedra are shared we
get the basis for the phyllosilicates or sheet silicates. In
this case the basic structural group is Si2O5-2. The micas,
clay minerals, chlorite, talc, and serpentine minerals are all
based on this structure. A good example is biotite -
K(Mg,Fe)3(AlSi3)O10(OH)2. Note that in this structure, Al
is substituting for Si in one of the tetrahedral groups.
Tectosilicates (Framework Silicates)

If all of the corner oxygens are shared with another SiO4 tetrahedron, then
a framework structure develops. The basic structural group then becomes
SiO2. The minerals quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite all are based on this
structure. If some of the Si+4 ions are replaced by Al+3 then this produces
a charge imbalance and allows for other ions to be found coordinated in
different arrangements within the framework structure. Thus, the feldspar
and feldspathoid minerals are also based on the tectosilicate framework.

General Formula for Silicates

Based on these basic structural units, we can construct a general structural chemical formula for
the silicates. But one substitution in particular tends to mess things up a bit. This is Al+3, the
third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Al+3 has an ionic radius that varies between
0.54 and 0.39 depending on the coordination number. Thus, it could either fit in 6-fold
coordination with oxygen or 4-fold coordination with oxygen. Because Al+3 will go into 4-fold
coordination with oxygen, it sometimes substitutes for Si+4. If such a substitution takes place,
it creates a charge imbalance that must be made up elsewhere in the silicate structure.

The other common elements in the Earth's crust that enter the silicates do so in other types of
coordination. Ions like Al+3, Mg+2, Fe+2, Fe+3, Mn+2, and Ti+4 enter into 6-fold or octahedral
sites. Larger ions like Ca+2, and Na+1, are found in octahedral coordination or 8-fold, cubic
coordination sites. Very large cations like K+1, Ba+2, and sometimes Na+1 are coordinated by
12 oxygens in 12-fold coordination sites.

We can thus write a general structural formula for the silicates as follows:

XmYn(ZpOq)Wr

where X represents an 8 to 12 fold coordination site for large cations like K+, Rb+, Ba+2,

4 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Na+, and Ca+2.

Y represents a 6-fold (octahedral) site for intermediate sized cations like Al+3, Mg+2,
Fe+2, Fe+3, Mn+2, and Ti+4.

Z represents the tetrahedral site containing Si+4, and Al+3.

the ratio p:q depends on the degree of polymerization of

the silica (or alumina) tetrahedrons, or the silicate
structural type as discussed above.

O is oxygen,
Site C.N. Ion
and W is a hyrdoxyl (OH-1) site into which can substitute Si+4
Z 4
large anions like F-1 or Cl-1. Al+3
The subscripts m, n, and r depend on the ratio of p to q Al+3
and are chosen to maintain charge balance. Fe+3
Fe+2
Y 6
Mg+2
Mn+2
Ti+4
Na+1
8
Ca+2
X K+1
8 - 12 Ba+2
Rb+1
This is summarized in the table shown here. In this table note
that there is very little substitution that takes place between ions
that enter the X, Y, and Z sites. The exceptions are mainly
substitution of Al+3 for Si+4, which is noted in the Table, and
whether the X site is large enough to accept the largest cations
like K+1, Ba+2, or Rb+1.
Nesosilicates (Island Silicates)

We now turn our discussion to a systematic look at the most common rock forming minerals,
starting with the common nesosilicates. Among these are the olivines, garnets, Al2SiO5
minerals, staurolite, and sphene (the latter two will be discussed in the last lecture on accessory
minerals).
As discussed above, the nesosilicates or island silicates are based on the isolated
SiO4-4 tetrahedral groups. In the olivines, the remaining corner oxygens form

5 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

octahedral groups that coordinate Mg+2 and Fe+2 ions.

Olivines

The olivines consist of a complete solid solution between Mg2SiO4 (forsterite, Fo) and
Fe2SiO4 (fayalite, Fa). There is limited substitution of the following end members:

Ca2SiO4 - larnite

Mn2SiO4 - tephroite

CaMgSiO4 - monticellite (which is commonly found in metamorphosed dolomites)

Also found substituting in octahedral sites are Ni+2 and Cr+3, particularly in
Mg-rich olivines.

The phase diagram for the common end

members of the olivine solid solution
series shows that pure forsterite melts at
1890oC and pure fayalite melts at
1205oC. Thus, the olivines are
sometimes seen be be zoned from
Mg-rich cores to more Fe-rich rims,
although such zoning is usually limited
to 5 to 10% difference between the
cores and the rims.

Occurrence

Pure forsterite is limited to metamorphosed Mg-rich limestones and dolomitic

metamorphic rocks.

Fo90 - 95 is found in ultrabasic igneous rocks, particularly dunites (>90% by volume

olivine), and peridotites (Olivine + Cpx + Opx).

Fo60 - 90 is found in basic igneous rocks likes basalts and gabbros, and sometimes in
andesites, where it occurs with plagioclase and pyroxene.

Fa100 - 40 is found in Fe-rich siliceous igneous rocks like rhyolites and granites.

6 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Mg-rich olivines rarely occur in quartz bearing rocks and quartz rarely occurs with
Mg-rich olivine because the reaction shown below runs to the right for most pressures
and temperatures.

Mg2SiO4 + SiO2 <=> 2MgSiO3

Fo Qtz En

Note however, that Fe-rich olivines can occur with quartz.

Structure

The structure of the olivines is illustrated on page 439 of Klein and Dutrow. Note that 2
different kinds of octahedral sites occur. One is a regular octahedron, labeled M2, and
the other is a distorted octahedron, labeled M1. Fe+2 and Mg+2 have no particular
preference for either site, but if Ca+2 is present it prefers the M2 site.

Identifying Properties

The olivines are orthorhombic (2/m2/m2/m) and usually green colored in hand
specimen.

The most characteristic property in thin section is their surface texture that kind of looks
like a piece of sandpaper (see photo on the back wall of the Mineralogy lab).

Because of their good {010} cleavage and common {100} parting, they show parallel
extinction relative to the cleavage or parting.

Maximum birefringence as seen in the interference colors in thin section varies between
3rd order blue (for Fo rich varieties) and 3rd order yellow (for Fa-rich varieties), but
remember that this is the maximum birefringence that will only be seen for grains with α
and γ parallel to the microscope stage.

Fo-rich olivines are usually clear in thin section, but Fa-rich olivines show pale yellow,
greenish yellow, or yellow amber absorption colors and sometimes show pleochroism
with α = γ = pale yellow, β = orange, yellow, or reddish brown.

Because optical properties vary with composition of the olivine, 2V is useful in

distinguishing olivine compositions. Look at the graph on page 11 of Deer, Howie, and
Zussman. From the graph you can see that very Fo-rich olivines(>Fo90) are optically
positive with a 2V between 82 and 90o. Between Fo90 and Fa100 the olivine is optically
negative with 2Vγ between 90 and 130 (2V between 90o and 50o. Thus, by estimating
the 2V, you should be able to estimate the composition of the olivine.

Olivines are distinguished from orthorhombic pyroxenes (opx) easily because olivines
show higher maximum birefringence and do not show the characteristic {110} cleavage

7 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

of the pyroxenes. They are distinguished from the clinopyroxenes (Cpx) which show
inclined extinction relative their {110} cleavage and show a biaxial positive character
with a 2V of 50 to 60o.

Garnets

Garnets are isometric minerals and thus isotropic in thin section, although sometimes they are
seen to be weakly birefringent (slightly anisotropic). They are also nesosilicates, and therefore
based on the SiO4 structural unit. The general formula for garnets is:

A3B2(Si3O12)

where the A sites are cubic sites containing large divalent cations, usually Ca, Fe,
Mg, or Mn, and the B sites are octahedral sites occupied by smaller trivalent
cations, like Al and Fe+3.

Garnets with no Ca in the A site and Al in the B site are called the pyralspite series. These
consist of the end members:

Pyrope - Mg3Al2Si3O12

Almandine - Fe3Al2Si3O12

Spessartine - Mn3Al2Si3O12

Garnets with Ca in the A site are called the ugrandite series and consist of the end members:
Uvarovite - Ca3Cr2Si3O12

Grossularite - Ca3Al2Si3O12

Andradite - Ca3Fe+32Si3O12

Limited solid solution exists between end members of each series.

Occurrence

The garnets occur mostly in metamorphic rocks where they are often seen to form
euhedral (well-formed) crystals.

The Mg-rich garnet, pyrope, is found in metamorphic rocks formed at high pressure and
in eclogites (basalts metamorphosed at high pressure) and peridotites (ultrabasic rocks
containing olivine, Opx, Cpx, and garnet).

The Fe-rich garnet, almandine, is the most common garnet and is found in
metamorphic aluminous schists.

The Mn-rich variety, spessartine, is limited to Mn-rich metamorphic rocks like

meta-cherts.

8 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Identifying Properties

Garnets are generally isotropic although some may be weakly birefringent. In hand
specimen they exhibit a wide range of colors and these are sometimes seen in thin
section. Color is controlled by the amounts of Fe+2, Fe+3, Mg+2, and Cr+3 present.

Pyrope is usually pinkish red to purplish in hand specimen and is usually clear in thin
section.

Almandine is usually deep red to brownish black in hand specimen and pink in thin
section.

Spessartine ranges from black to red to brown and orange and is usually pink in thin
section.

Grossularite has a color in hand specimen that reflects the amount of Fe and Mn present
and thus ranges from brown to yellow to pink. If Cr is present, the color is usually green.
In thin section grossularite varies in color from clear to brown or green in Cr-rich
varieties.

Uvarovite, with high Cr concentration is usually deep green in hand specimen and green
in thin section.

Andradite ranges from yellow to dark brown, but if appreciable amounts of Ti are
present, the color could be black in hand specimen and brown in thin section.

The composition and identity of the garnets is best determined either by association with
other minerals or by more sophisticated techniques such as electron microprobe or XRD.

Garnets are easily distinguished from other minerals by their high relief, isotropic
character, and common euhedral habit.

Al2SiO5 Minerals

The Al2SiO5 minerals are common in aluminous metamorphic rocks (meta-shales and
meta-mudstones) and sometimes found in aluminous igneous rocks.

9 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

In metamorphic rocks the Al2SiO5 polymorphs provide rather

general estimates of the pressure and temperature of
metamorphism, with Kyanite indicating relatively high
pressure, andalusite indicating low temperature and pressure,
and sillimanite indicating high temperature. Better estimates
of pressure and temperature are provided if two of the
minerals are present in the same rock.

Sillimanite

Sillimanite is orthorhombic with a good {010} cleavage.

It generally occurs in long fibrous crystals that are length
slow, with extinction parallel to the {010} cleavage. In
sections lying on {001}that show well-developed {110}
forms, the cleavage is usually seen to cut across the crystal
as shown here. Maximum birefringence is generally seen
to be between 2o yellow to 2o red. Sillimanite is biaxial
positive with a 2V of 21 - 31o.

Andalusite

Andalusite is also orthorhombic , but shows a length fast character. It generally tends to
occur as euhedral blocky crystals with a maximum birefringence in thin section between
1o yellow and 1o red. It sometimes shows weak pleochroism with α = rose-pink, β = γ =
greenish yellow. Some varieties show a cross, termed the chiastolite cross, which is
made up of tiny carbonaceous inclusions oriented along crystallographic directions (see
illustration on page 492 of Klein & Dutrow). Andalusite generally occurs as euhedral
crystals with an almost square prism. It is biaxial negative with 2V = 73 - 86o.

Kyanite

Kyanite is triclinic and thus shows inclined extinction relative to its good {100}and
{010}cleavages and {001} parting. In hand specimen kyanite is commonly pale blue in
color, but is clear to pale blue in thin section. Because of its good cleavages and parting,
two cleavages or partings are seen in any orientation of the crystal in thin section. These
cleavages intersect at angles other than 90o and thus look like parallelograms in two
dimensions. Because Kyanite has high relief relative to other minerals with which it
commonly occurs, it stands out in thin section and sometimes appears to have a brownish
color. This color is more due to its high relief and numerous cleavages rather than due to
selective absorption.

10 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Kyanite is biaxial negative with 2V = 78 -83o

Staurolite (Mg,Fe)2Al9Si4O22(OH)2

Staurolite is a common mineral in medium grade

metamorphic rocks, usually metamorphosed
shales.

In hand specimen and in thin section it

characteristically is seen to show staurolite
twinning, either the right-angle cross, twinned on
{031} or the oblique cross, twinned on {231}
It is monoclinic, but its optical properties are those of an orthorhombic mineral. It has moderate
{010} cleavage, which if present, will cause parallel extinction. It's most distinguishing
property is its pleochroism, with α = colorless, β = pale yellow, and γ = golden yellow. Less
distinctive are its positive optic sign and 2V = 82 - 90o. In many rocks Staurolite shows
twinning, and commonly forms euhedral crystals with well developed {100} and {010} crystal
faces. In thin section Staurolite is commonly seen to contain tiny inclusions of other minerals,
usually quartz. There are very few minerals which can be confused with Staurolite.

Zircon ZrSiO4

Zircon is a common accessory mineral in nearly all kinds of rocks, particularly the more
siliceous igneous rocks, like granites, granodiorites, and syenites. Still, it is not often found in
thin section because it is so hard that it gets plucked out during the grinding of the section.
Zircon usually contains high amounts of radioactive elements like U and Th. Thus, when it is
found as inclusions in minerals like biotite, it produces pleochroic haloes in the biotite as seen
in thin section. Because it contains high concentrations of U and Th, it is very useful in
obtaining U-Pb and Th-Pb radiometric dates on old rocks. It is very resistant to weathering and
may also survives during metamorphism, allowing for dates to be obtained on the original rock
prior to metamorphism (often called the protolith).

In hand specimen Zircon usually occurs as tiny reddish colored crystals. In thin section, it
shows extremely high relief, with ω = 1.923 to 1.960 and ε = 1.968 to 2.015. and is uniaxial
positive. Zircon has high birefringence, with interference colors in the higher orders (lots of
reds, pinks and light greens). It is commonly colorless to pale brown or pinkish brown in
polarized light without the analyzer. Generally it occurs as small crystals with relief higher than
almost anything else in the thin section. This latter property should tip you off to its presence.

Sphene (Titanite) CaTiSiO4(OH)

Sphene is another common accessory mineral in plutonic igneous rocks like granites,
granodiorites, and syenites. It is also found as larger crystals in metamorphic gneisses and
chlorite bearing schists.

11 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

In hand specimen as an accessory mineral, it is usually seen as small wedge-shaped crystals

with a resinous to adamantine luster and brown to yellow brown color. In thin section,
Sphene, has a relief similar to that of zircon, and is usually found in small crystals with an
elongated diamond shape. It is generally brownish in color, shows a well developed {110}
cleavage, and high order interference colors.

Sorosilicates

Sorosilicates are the double island silicates. Only one important mineral group, the epidote
group, has this structure.

Epidote, Clinozoisite, Zoisite

The important minerals in the epidote group are epidote, clinozoisite, and zoisite. Since the
sorosilicates are based on the Si2O7 -6 group, the structural formula can be written as:

Ca2(Al,Fe+3)Al2O(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)

Thus, the epidote group contains both the double tetrahedra and the single tetrahedron,
separated by groups of AlO6 octahedra and Ca in nine to 10 fold coordination with Oxygen or
OH.

The formula can be rewritten as:

Ca2(Al,Fe+3)Al2Si3O12(OH)

Epidote is the Fe-rich variety and has the above general formula. Clinozoisite is the Fe-free
variety with the chemical formula:

Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH)

Both clinozoisite and epidote are monoclinic (2/m). Zoisite has the same chemical formula as
clinozoisite, but is orthorhombic.

Epidote is usually pistachio green in color with perfect {001} cleavage and imperfect {100}
cleavage. It is optically negative with a 2V of 64 - 90o. It usually shows pleochroism with α -
colorless to pale yellow, β - greenish yellow, and γ - yellowish green, and shows high relief
relative to feldspars and quartz. It's birefringence is high enough to show 3rd order interference
colors. It usually shows an anomalous blue extinction.

Clinozoisite shows similar relief and cleavage to epidote, but it is optically negative with a 2V
of 14 to 90o, shows no pleochroism, and lower birefringence (1st to 2nd order interference
colors). Zoisite is similar to clinozoisite, except it will show parallel extinction relative to faces
parallel to the crystallographic axes.

Epidote is a common mineral in low grade metamorphic rocks, particularly metamorphosed

volcanic rocks and Fe-Al rich meta shales. Both Clinozoisite and epidote occur as alteration
products of plagioclase and as veins in granitic rocks.

12 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

Cyclosilicates

The cyclosilicates are based on rings of SiO4 tetrahedra, with

a Si:O ratio of 1:3 The most common minerals based on this
structure are Beryl, Cordierite, and Tourmaline.

Beryl

Be3Al2Si6O18 is hexagonal (6/m2/m2/m) with a strong prismatic habit with the form {10 0}
usually the only form present. It is usually deep green to yellowish green in color. Beryl forms
different gemstones depending on color - Aquamarine when it is pale greenish-blue, Morganite
if pink, and emerald if deep green and transparent. Beryl is a common constituent of coarse
grained granitic rocks and pegmatites and is found in aluminous mica schists.

In thin section, Beryl shows higher relief than quartz, and is distinguished from quartz by its
negative optic sign and length-fast character. The only other mineral that it can be confused
with is apatite, but apatite shows even higher relief than Beryl.

Cordierite

Cordierite is (Mg,Fe)2Al4Si5O18.nH2O. It is orthorhombic (2/m2/m2/m), but shows a

pseudohexagonal character due to its common cyclical twinning on {110}. In thin section it
may show a twinning that looks like albite twinning, which makes it hard to distinguish from
plagioclase. But, cordierite is usually dusted with tiny opaque inclusions. In thick sections it
shows α pale -yellow, violet, pale blue pleochroism. It can be distinguished from quartz by its
biaxial character.

Cordierite is a common constituent of aluminous metamorphic rocks. It is common in contact

metamorphic rocks where it is commonly associated with sillimanite or andalusite, feldspars
and micas.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline - Na(Mg,Fe,Mn,Li,Al)3Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4 is hexagonal (3m) and is commonly

found as well-formed prismatic crystals, with a rounded triangular cross section perpendicular
to the c crystallographic axis.

Tourmaline is a common mineral in pegmatites (SiO2 - rich igneous rocks with large grain
size), where it is associated with quartz and alkali feldspar. It is also found in metasomatized
rocks of all types, where it is precipitated from a Boron and Silica - rich fluid phase.

It's most distinguishing properties are its uniaxial negative optical character and its pleochroism
with ω = dark green or dark blue and ε = yellow or violet. Tourmaline usually forms in

13 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM
Silicate Structures, Neso- Cyclo-, and Soro- Silicates http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens211/silicate_structures08.htm

euhedral crystals with well developed prism faces and extinction parallel to the prism faces.

Examples of questions on this material that could be asked on an exam

(note that properties that distinguish different minerals will be included in the laboratory exam)

1. Why are the silicate minerals the most common minerals in the earth's crust?

2. Give an alternative name for each of the following groups of silicates (a) nesosilicates,
(b) double island silicates, (c) cyclo-silicates, (d) inosilicates, (e) sheet silicates.

3. What would be the normal zoning pattern in a zoned crystal of olivine? Explain why this
is the case.

4. What is the difference between the pyralspite garnets and the ugrandite garnets?

5. Draw a pressure - temperature diagram for the Al2SiO5 Minerals.

6. State whether each of the following minerals would be most commonly found in igneous
rocks, metamorphic rocks, or both igneous and metamorphic rocks: (a) kyanite, (b)
olivine, (c) epidote, (d) sillimanite, (e) andalusite (f) tourmaline (g) cordierite (h) garnet.

Return to EENS 2110 Page

14 of 14 11/6/2014 11:54 AM