Why are silicate minerals the most common minerals in the crust?
A)because oxygen and silicon are the most common elements in the crust
B)because carbonate and oxide minerals are more easily weathered
C)because their building block is in the shape of a tetrahedron
D)because they include elements such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen and silicon are the two most abundant elements in the Earth's crust, making up approximately 75% of its composition. Therefore, silicate minerals are the most common minerals in the crust. Additionally, silicates have a tetrahedral structure which allows for various combinations of elements to form different minerals, making them even more abundant.

Why Are Silicate Minerals the Most Common Minerals in the Crust