Inosilicates

The inosilicates are characterized by single or double chains of linked silicate tetrahedra.

Many similarities exist between the two groups. The only readily distinguishing feature between the minerals is that minerals of the single chain inosilicates have 90o cleavage, while the minerals of the double chain inosilicates have 60o cleavage.

Minerals

Anthophyllite
Augite
Diopside
Enstatite
Glaucophane
Hedenbergite
Hornblende
Hypersthene
Jadeite
Riebeckite
Spodumene
Tremolite

 

Mineral Photos courtesy of R.Weller/Cochise College