______ minerals form the largest group of minerals on Earth, while _______ is the single most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust. The Most Abundant Minerals on Earth

The Most Abundant Minerals on Earth

Minerals are naturally occurring substances that form the building blocks of rocks and soils, and they are essential components of all living things. Minerals form the largest group of materials in the world, and they are found both in the Earth’s crust and in its mantle. The most abundant minerals on Earth are silicates, which make up around 90 percent of the Earth’s crust. These minerals are a group of compounds that contain silicon and oxygen, and they are found in almost all rocks and soils (Geology.com, 2021). The single most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust is quartz, which makes up around 12 percent of the Earth’s crust by weight (Minerals.net, 2021). Quartz is a type of silicate mineral, and it is found in many different types of rocks, including granite, sandstone, and quartzite. It is also the most common mineral found in sand, and it is a major component of beach and desert sand. Quartz is used in many industries, such as glass making, electronics, and construction, and it is also used as a gemstone and in jewelry. Cont…