what property is used to classify minerals into groups such as silicates

Minerals are classified based on their chemical composition, and the property used to classify minerals into groups such as silicates is their predominant anion or anion group. Silicates are the largest mineral group, making up over 90% of Earths crust. The silicate group was subdivided based on internal structure and composition, with the topology of the SiO4 tetrahedra playing a significant role. Other mineral groups include oxides, sulfides, carbonates, halides, sulfates, and native elements.