Minerals are classified into two main types: silicate and non-silicate minerals. Silicate minerals contain silicon and oxygen, forming the largest group of minerals in the Earth's crust. Common examples include quartz and feldspar, which are essential components of many rocks. Non-silicate minerals do not contain silicon-oxygen compounds and are further divided into categories like carbonates, oxides, and sulfates. Examples include calcite in carbonates and hematite in oxides. Each type of mineral has unique properties and plays a vital role in various geological processes.