phyllosilicate

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 609 words | Copyright

phyllosilicate (sheet silicate, layered silicate) A large group of silicate minerals which are characterized by possessing layers of [SiO₄]⁴⁻ tetrahedra linked together to form a flat sheet with the composition [Si₄O₁₀]_n. This group includes micas, chlorite, clays, talc, and serpentine, which are soft minerals and of variable but generally low density. They form at low temperatures and some, particularly the clays, replace primary minerals as a result of hydrothermal alteration or weathering. They are an essential constituent of argillaceous sedimentary rocks and some lowgrade metamorphic rocks.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "phyllosilicate." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "phyllosilicate." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-phyllosilicate.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "phyllosilicate." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-phyllosilicate.html

Learn more about citation styles