Silicate: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'silicate' originates from the Latin word 'silicis', meaning 'of flint' or 'silicon.' This term has its roots in the chemical composition of silicates, which are compounds comprising silicon (Si) and oxygen (O). The classification of silicates as a distinct group of minerals began in the early 19th century with advances in mineralogy and chemistry. As scientists studied the properties of various minerals, they recognized that silicates are the most abundant class of minerals in the Earth's crust, accounting for about 90% of all rock-forming minerals. Over time, silicate chemistry has gained importance in various fields, including materials science, geology, and environmental science, as the understanding of silicate structures has implications for the earth's formation, the behavior of different rocks, and the development of new materials.

Ranked #11,512, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11509 fragmented
• 11510 palpable
• 11511 angrily
• 11512 silicate
• 11513 perseverance
• 11514 mentality
• 11515 vows
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