Polymerization

Process of reacting molecules together to form three-dimensional networks or chains. Silicon tetrahedra are usually polymerized in silicateThe most abundant group of minerals in Earth's crust, the structure of silicates are dominated by the silica tetrahedron, SiO44-, with metal ions occurring between tetrahedra). The mesodesmic bonds of the silicon tetrahedron allow extensive polymerization and silicates are classified according to the amount of linking that occurs between the minerals and melts. Classification of silicate minerals is based upon their degree of polymerization.