Answer to Question #120341 in Microbiology for Eugene

Question

Describe the structure of any two tectosilicate minerals found in soils.

Answer 1

They are also called polysilicate which to any member of a group of compounds with structures that have silicate tetrahedrons which consists of a central silicon atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms at the corners of the tetrahedron. They arranged in a three-dimensional lattice. Each of the four oxygen atoms of a given tetrahedron is shared with another tetrahedron. Each tetrahedron. Tectosilicates is the largest mineral on the earth’s crust comparising of about seventy five percent. Tectosilicates comprise of quartz and other silica minerals. They have chemical formulas that contain some multiple of SiO2.

1)     Quartz

This is a chemical compound comprising of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). This is the most abundant mineral found at Earth's surface and it has unique properties which make it the most useful natural substances.

It is widely distributed on the earth’s surface. It is present and plentiful in all parts of the world. It forms at all temperatures. It is abundant in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz is ubiquitous, plentiful and durable.

2) Zeolite

This is any member of a family of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals that contain alkali and alkaline-earth metals.

The structural feature of a zeolite is a three-dimensional tetrahedral framework in which each oxygen atom is shared by two tetrahedral.

Natural zeolites occur in mafic volcanic rocks as cavity fillings, probably as a result of deposition by fluids or vapours. In sedimentary rocks zeolites occur as alteration products of volcanic and serve as cementing material in detrital rocks; they also are found in chemical sedimentary rocks of marine origin. Extensive deposits of zeolites occur in all oceans.