Assignment on Silicates
Submitted By: Submitted To:
Md. Jawad Jamil Dr. Mst. Nahid Farha
Roll: 2012027
Assistant Professior
Dept.: BECM
Department of Chemistry
Session: 2023-24
RUET
1. Introduction
Silicates are the most abundant class of minerals on Earth, constituting about 90% of the Earth's
crust. They consist of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) as primary elements, forming silicon-oxygen
tetrahedra (SiO₄´⁻), the basic building block of silicate minerals. These tetrahedra can be arranged
in different ways, resulting in diverse structures and properties. Silicates are commonly found in
rocks, clays, soils, cement, glass, and ceramics. Their chemical stability, mechanical strength, and
heat resistance make them essential in various industrial applications.
Figure 1: Basic Silicon-Oxygen Tetrahedron (SiO₄⁴⁻)
2. Structure of Silicates
The structural variations in silicates arise from the connectivity between SiO₄ tetrahedra. These
variations define the properties and classifications of silicate minerals. The five major silicate
structures are:
Isolated (Nesosilicates)
Each tetrahedron remains separate, bonded only through metal cations.
Example: Olivine (Mg₂SiO₄), Garnet (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)
Reaction: SiO₄´⁻ + 2Mg²⁺ → Mg₂SiO₄
Single Chain (Inosilicates)
Each tetrahedron shares two oxygen atoms, forming a linear chain.
Example: Pyroxene (MgSiO₃), Enstatite
Reaction: n(SiO₃²⁻) → (SiO₃²⁻)ₙ
Figure 3: Structure of Single-Chain Silicate
Single Chain (Inosilicates)
Each tetrahedron shares two oxygen atoms, forming a linear chain. Figure 2: Structure of Isolated Silicate
Example: Pyroxene (MgSiO₃), Enstatite
Reaction: n(SiO₃²⁻) → (SiO₃²⁻)ₙ
Figure 3: Structure of Single-Chain Silicate
Double Chain (Inosilicates)
Two single chains are linked together by sharing oxygen atoms.
Example: Amphibole (Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂)
Reaction: 2(SiO₃²⁻)ₙ → (Si₄O₁₁⁶⁻)ₙ
Figure 4: Structure of Double-Chain Silicate
Sheet Silicates (Phyllosilicates)
Each tetrahedron shares three oxygen atoms, forming 2D sheets.
Example: Mica (KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂), Talc
Reaction: Si₂O₅²⁻ + K⁺ + Al³⁺ → KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Figure 5: Structure of Sheet Silicate
Framework (Tectosilicates)
Each tetrahedron shares all four oxygen atoms, forming a 3D network.
Example: Quartz (SiO₂), Feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈)
Reaction: SiO₂ → Quartz
Figure 6: Structure of Framework Silicate
3. Classification of Silicates
Silicates are categorized based on their structural configurations:
Type General Formula Example
Nesosilicates (Isolated) SiO₄´⁻ Olivine (Mg₂SiO₄)
Sorosilicates (Double Si₂O₇⁶⁻ Epidote
Tetrahedra) (Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃Si₃O₁₂(OH))
Inosilicates (Single Chain) (SiO₃)´⁻ Pyroxene (MgSiO₃)
Inosilicates (Double Chain) (Si₄O₁₁)⁶⁻ Amphibole
(Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂)
Phyllosilicates (Sheet) (Si₂O₅)²⁻ Mica (KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂)
Tectosilicates (Framework) (SiO₂)ₙ Quartz (SiO₂), Feldspar
(KAlSi₃O₈)
4. Important Silicates in Daily Life
Quartz (SiO₂)
Uses: Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and is used in a variety of industries,
including glassmaking, watches, semiconductors, and as a material for countertops and buildings.
Properties: It has excellent durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for glass
production and other durable goods.
Reaction: SiO₂ + Na₂CO₃ → Na₂SiO₃ + CO₂
Feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈)
Uses: Feldspar is a key ingredient in ceramics, porcelain, glass, and pottery. It is widely used in the
production of glass and ceramics due to its ability to lower the melting temperature of the mixture.
Properties: It’s an aluminum silicate mineral that forms part of the Earth's crust and is found in
many igneous rocks.
Cement (Calcium Silicates - Ca₂SiO₄, Ca₃SiO₅)
Uses: Cement, particularly calcium silicates, is a crucial material in the construction industry, used
in concrete production, which is used to build roads, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Properties: Cement made from calcium silicates binds concrete together and gives it strength.
Reaction: 2(Ca₃SiO₅) + 7H₂O → 3CaO•2SiO₂•4H₂O + 3Ca(OH)₂
Mica (KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂)
Uses: Mica is used in electronics, insulation, and cosmetics. Its heat and electrical insulating
properties make it vital in electrical equipment, such as capacitors and insulators.
Properties: It is a soft, shiny mineral that is highly resistant to heat and electricity. In cosmetics, it’s
used for its sparkle and smooth texture.
Talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂)
Uses: Talc is commonly found in baby powder, cosmetics, and lubricants. It is also used in the paper
industry to improve smoothness and printability.
Properties: It is the softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale and is used in various applications
due to its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction.
Clay (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄)
Uses: Clay is widely used in the production of ceramics, bricks, tiles, and porcelain. It’s an essential
material in pottery and is also used in various industrial applications such as drilling fluids.
Properties: Clay minerals are fine-grained and have the ability to retain moisture, which makes
them suitable for making products like bricks, tiles, and pottery.
Zeolites (Al₂Si₄O₁₁·6H₂O)
Uses: Zeolites are used in water purification, as catalysts in petroleum refining, and in detergents to
soften water. They also serve in the agricultural sector for ion-exchange purposes.
Properties: Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals that have a unique structure
capable of absorbing ions and molecules, making them highly effective for water treatment and
other applications.
Serpentine (Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄)
Uses: Serpentine is used in the production of asbestos, decorative stone, and heat-resistant
materials. It is also used as a source of magnesium.
Properties: It is a magnesium silicate mineral that can be found in metamorphic rocks. Serpentine
is heat-resistant and is also used in fireproof products.
Apatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH))
Uses: Apatite is mainly used in the production of fertilizers as a source of phosphorus. It is also
utilized in the manufacture of phosphoric acid for various industrial processes.
Properties: Apatite is a phosphate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors and is often found in
igneous rocks and sediments.
5. Applications of Silicates
Construction Industry
- Glass (SiO₂), Concrete & Cement: Silicates are crucial in the construction sector. SiO₂ (silica) is
used in glass production, while calcium silicates (e.g., Ca₃SiO₅) are essential for the strength and
durability of concrete and cement.
Reaction:
SiO₂ + Na₂CO₃ + CaCO₃ → Na₂SiO₃ + CaSiO₃ + CO₂
This reaction is fundamental in cement production, where silicates react with other compounds to
form strong materials.
Electronics and Semiconductors
- Silicon (Si): Silicon is used extensively in semiconductors, such as silicon chips, which power
computers, smartphones, and solar panels.
- Transistors & Integrated Circuits (ICs): Silicon is the core material in transistors and ICs, which
are found in nearly every electronic device.
Figure 10: Silicon Chip Manufacturing for Electronics
Agriculture
- Fertilizers (Apatite and Phosphates): Silicates like apatite provide phosphorus, a vital nutrient for
plants.
- Soil Treatment: Silicates improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and aid in nutrient
absorption, promoting healthier crops.
Figure 11: Application of Silicates in Fertilizers
Water Filtration and Purification
- Zeolites in Water Softening: Zeolites are used to remove calcium and magnesium ions, softening
water for industrial and household use.
- Silica Filters: Silica is used in filtration systems to remove contaminants from water.
Figure 12: Zeolites in Water Filtration
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂): Talc is commonly used in cosmetics like baby powder and face powders
for its moisture-absorbing properties.
- Mica: Mica is used in makeup products like eyeshadows and highlighters to add shimmer and
sparkle.
Figure 13: Talc in Cosmetics and Personal Care
Ceramics and Pottery
- Clay and Feldspar in Ceramics: Silicates like clay and feldspar are essential in making ceramics
such as tiles, dishes, and porcelain.
- Durability and Aesthetic Value: Silicates enhance the strength and appearance of ceramic
products.
Figure 15: Silicates in Ceramic Production
Conclusion
Silicates are the most widespread mineral group, crucial to industries such as construction,
electronics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Their unique structural properties make
them indispensable in daily life and industrial applications. From building materials like cement
and glass to the semiconductors powering electronic devices, silicates are integral to modern
technology and infrastructure. They also play a significant role in environmental practices, such as
water filtration and soil improvement. As research continues, the potential of silicates in fields like
nanotechnology and material science will further drive advancements, making them essential for
both innovation and sustainability.
