In addition to iron (Fe), several other primary elements commonly form part of silicate structures. These elements are typically cations that can substitute within the silicate framework due to their similar ionic sizes and charges. Four other primary elements that join silicate structures are:
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Silicon (Si) - Central to the silicate structure, silicon forms the tetrahedral building blocks (SiO4) that are the foundation of silicate minerals.
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Aluminum (Al) - Aluminum often substitutes for silicon in the tetrahedral sites (AlO4), contributing to the formation of various silicate structures and affects the properties of the minerals.
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Magnesium (Mg) - Magnesium is a common cation in many silicate minerals, particularly in the olivine and pyroxene groups, contributing to their stability and properties.
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Calcium (Ca) - Calcium can also play a significant role in silicate structures, especially in minerals like plagioclase feldspar, where it substitutes for sodium.
Other cations like sodium (Na) and potassium (K) can also be found in silicate structures, but the four listed above are among the most significant in terms of their prevalence and role in silicate mineralogy.
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