Structure and chemistry of silica, metal oxides, and phosphates

Abstract

This chapter addresses the structures and chemical properties of the rockforming oxides and phosphates. In one sense these materials are less complex than the chain and sheet silicates discussed previously. In general their unit cells are smaller and formulas shorter. Moreover, the baroque chemical variation that makes amphiboles a joy for mineralogists and a nightmare for health scientists is virtually absent within some oxides. Instead, the oxides express their individuality through structural permutation, illustrating the important concept of polymorphism. 230 refs., 25 figs.