Final answer:
Chlorite is a phyllosilicate, a type of silicate mineral with a structure consisting of sheets of silicate tetrahedra linked with metal ions and hydroxide groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorite is a type of silicate mineral, which represents a complex class of materials that are a major component of the Earth's crust. In the case of chlorite, the silicate structure is generally categorized as a phyllosilicate, which contains sheets of silicate tetrahedra. Each tetrahedron consists of a central silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, and in the structure of chlorite, these tetrahedra are arranged in sheets that are linked with metal ions and hydroxide groups. This structure contributes to the characteristic flaky or sheet-like appearance of chlorite minerals.