what are silicates
A silicate is a compound containing an anionic silicon compound. The great majority of silicates are oxides, but hexafluorosilicate ([SiF 6 ] 2â) and other anions are also included. Orthosilicate  is the anion SiO 4 4â or its compounds.Related to orthosilicate are families of anions (and their compounds) with the formula [SiO 2+n ] 2nâ .he great majority of silicates are oxides, but hexafluorosilicate ([SiF 6 ] 2â) and other anions are also included.  Orthosilicate  is the anion SiO 4 4â or its compounds. Related to orthosilicate are families of anions (and their compounds) with the formula [SiO 2+n ] 2nâ .