How many O-atoms are shared per `SiO_(4)` tetrahedra in silicate anion of beryl mineral ?

Options

A. 1
B. 4
C. 3
D. 2

Answer

To solve the question of how many oxygen atoms are shared per `SiO4` tetrahedra in the silicate anion of beryl mineral, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Composition of Beryl
Beryl is a mineral with the chemical formula `Be3Al2Si6O18`. It contains silicate units, which are based on the `SiO4` tetrahedral structure.

**Hint:** Familiarize yourself with the chemical formula of beryl and identify the silicate units present.

### Step 2: Identify the Structure of Silicate Anions
Silicate anions are formed by linking multiple `SiO4` tetrahedra. In beryl, these tetrahedra are interconnected.

**Hint:** Recall that `SiO4` tetrahedra can share oxygen atoms when they link together.

### Step 3: Determine the Sharing of Oxygen Atoms
In the structure of beryl, each `SiO4` tetrahedron shares oxygen atoms with adjacent tetrahedra. Specifically, each `SiO4` tetrahedron shares 2 oxygen atoms with neighboring tetrahedra.

**Hint:** Consider how tetrahedra are arranged and how many oxygen atoms are involved in the linking process.

### Step 4: Conclusion
From the analysis, we conclude that in the silicate anion of beryl, each `SiO4` tetrahedron shares **2 oxygen atoms** with other tetrahedra.

**Final Answer:** 2 oxygen atoms are shared per `SiO4` tetrahedron in the silicate anion of beryl mineral.