Which element is most commonly found in minerals?

Oxygen is the most commonly found element in minerals because it is a key component of silicate and non-silicate minerals, which make up a significant portion of the Earth’s crust. Many minerals are formed through the combination of oxygen with metals and other elements to create various structures. For instance, silicate minerals, which constitute about 90% of the Earth's crust, are primarily composed of silicon and oxygen.

The tetrahedral structure formed by silicon and oxygen serves as the building block for these minerals. Additionally, oxygen is present in many other mineral types as well, underscoring its abundance and fundamental role in mineral composition. The prevalence of oxygen in the Earth's crust is why it is considered the most common element found in minerals, highlighting its critical role in mineralogy and geology.