Of this number of minerals, approximately 24 are common. With feldspars as the most abundant of minerals. Out of the aforementioned 3,500 existing Minerals, only three rock types comprise all of the potential mineral combinations. Olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, mica and quartz represent common examples. Those minerals that are deposited in seawater by chemical processes or those formed during the evaporation of water have a sedimentary origin.
Calcite is a major sedimentary rock forming mineral in marine environments.
Garnet, staurolite, and kyanite are typical examples. Some minerals may have more thin one origin depending upon their geologic environment of formation. A very stable mineral like quartz can have an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic origin while olivine and garnet respectively have igneous and metamorphic origin. Significance of Minerals Besides the obvious esthetic and monetary value of gold and silver and numerous precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds life on Earth would be very difficult without the use of these and many other more common minerals. Quartz sand and calcite are major components of concrete.