How do silicate minerals form?

Silicate minerals form when silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements on earth, combine. These elements combine in what is called tetrahedron, which consists of one silicon and four oxygen atoms.

Silicate minerals make up all nine of the rock forming minerals. Each type of mineral has its own distinct structure and form. These minerals exist over many types of conditions and forms, partially due to the tight bond that the two elements make when they create silicate as well as their ability to stay joined under various types of temperatures and pressure levels. Not even taking into account the various forms that silicate minerals take, they as a base mineral are the most abundant on Earth.