Why are silica minerals abundant and widespread?

Question

I need help with my hw

Answer 1

Silicate minerals, made of silicon and oxygen, are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust due to their being less dense than the iron and magnesium, nickel, etc. that makes up the mantle and core. Over the last 4+ billion years (and particularly during the early, more liquid part of Earth's history) the densest elements have generally been drawn towards the center, and the lighter, less dense elements stayed at the surface in the crust.

Answer 2

Oxygen and Silicon are the two most abundant elements on the planet so it stands to reason most minerals would have them as a component.