What is the difference between a sulfide, carbonate and silicate group of of minerals?

Question

Olivia Anton · Accepted Answer

Those define the anion of each compound, and often some of their properties.
#FeS#
#FeCO_3# and #Fe_2(CO_3)_3#
#Fe_2SiO_4#.

Recognizing different mineral types by chemical structure is important because a mineral is a naturally occurring compound that contains elements or compounds of interest that need to be separated from their natural combinations for ease of extraction or processing. A "sulfide" contains sulfur, usually in a -2 state (#S^(-2)#). A "carbonate" contains carbonate ions (#CO_3^(-2)#). A silicate will contain a #SiO_4^(-4)# ionic group. For example, iron ore is usually the oxide form, but iron could also exist as iron sulfide ("Fool's Gold"), #FeS#, iron carbonate (in two different oxidation states) #FeCO_3# and #Fe_2(CO_3)_3#, and iron silicate #Fe_2SiO_4#. You can find the specific characteristics of each type of mineral by searching for the specific formula or mineral online.

Serenity Allen · Answer

undefined Sulfide minerals contain sulfur combined with one or more metals. Carbonate minerals contain carbonate ions (CO3^2-) combined with metal ions. Silicate minerals are composed of silicon and oxygen, often combined with other elements like aluminum, magnesium, or iron.