What are Silicates?

What are Silicates?

The most abundant group of Inorganic Compounds is the Silicates, which are composed of Silicon and Oxygen with other Elements. Silicates are translucent and hard. Marble is a hydrous Magnesium Silicate. Emerald and Aquamarine are crystal forms of Beryl, a Beryllium and Aluminum Silicate. Clay is a hydrous Silicate of Magnesium. Baby powder, or talcum powder, is a Silicate containing Silicon, Oxygen and Magnesium. [LM] {CI}