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Silicates & Quartz

Inosilicate

What it is

Chain silicates where SiO₄ tetrahedra link end-to-end in single or double chains. This category includes the rare and beautiful bustamite, a manganese-calcium chain silicate with a soft pink color.

How it forms

Forms in contact-metamorphic zones where manganese-rich rocks meet hot magmatic fluids.

Single/double chain SiO₄ linkages

Specimens

1 stone