For 10 points, name this broad class of minerals that includes feldspars and quartz.
Several of these compounds exhibit bird's eye maple under cross-polarized light. Along with a manganese-iron oxide, a perovskite member of this general class of compounds probably makes up most of the lower mantle. Pegmatites are usually rich in these compounds. It's not calcite, but some of these compounds form a namesake ooze on the ocean floor, which is formed from frustules and radiolarian (*) exoskeletons. The organic material of trees is slowly replaced by compounds of this general type to form petrified wood. Examples include pyroxene and amphibole. Diatoms produce one of these compounds. Rhyolite, granite, and other felsic rocks are rich in these minerals. For 10 points, name this broad class of minerals that includes feldspars and quartz.
Several of these compounds exhibit bird's eye maple under cross-polarized light.
silicates [accept siliceous ooze; accept any answer containing the word silicate; anti-prompt on "feldspars," "silica," or "mica"]