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Everything about Silicate

Any polyatomic anion containing silicon and oxygen

A silicate is any member of a family of polyatomic anions consisting of silicon and oxygen, usually with the general formula [SiO(4−2x)−4−x]n, where 0 ≤ x < 2. The family includes orthosilicate SiO4−4, metasilicate SiO2−3, and pyrosilicate Si2O6−7. The name is also used for any salt of such anions, such as sodium metasilicate; or any ester containing the corresponding chemical group, such as tetramethyl orthosilicate. The name "silicate" is sometimes extended to any anions containing silicon, even if they do not fit the general formula or contain other atoms besides oxygen; such as hexafluorosilicate [SiF6]2−. Most commonly, silicates are encountered as silicate minerals. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: SilicateA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: Carbonation behavior of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H): Its potential for CO2 captureInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: Rock-forming mineralsThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites: a review from preparation to processingCited 6,122 times
  5. Go sideways: ThaumasiteA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: Calcium silicateA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun Any salt of silica or of one of the silicic acids; any mineral composed of silicates.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Structural principles
  2. Silicates with non-tetrahedral silicon
  3. Chemical properties

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics