Each of these minerals is a small but beautiful example of its species. The anions in halides are all quite reactive and bond easily with a metallic cation. There are over 80 species of halides though only a few are common. Borates are capable of polymerization in a similar fashion to the silicate minerals making them desirable in the glass making industry in the manufacture of light, strong, transparent glass. The next case highlights one of the commonest minerals in the world, Calcite .
Calcite is the principle component of limestone, marble, and seashells.
Continuing with Carbonates , the next case displays some of the less common carbonate minerals. Most cave formations are made up of carbonate minerals. These minerals are either clear or brightly colored, and very light in weight. The basis of the silicates group is the silica tetrahedron. There are six subgroups of silicates based on the number and bonding of silica tetrahedrons involved.