Final answer:
Silicates are categorized based on the arrangement and bonding of silica tetrahedra, which can form a range of structures such as rings, sheets, or 3D networks due to the sharing of oxygen atoms and the presence of various cations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The silicates are broken into several groups based on the way the silica tetrahedra are arranged and bonded. Silica tetrahedra are the building blocks of silicate minerals, where each tetrahedron consists of a silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, forming a three-dimensional shape. The way these tetrahedra share oxygen atoms leads to the various structures found in silicate minerals, such as rings, sheets, and three-dimensional frameworks. The presence of different cations in these structures also contributes to the diversity of silicate minerals.