Which of the following elements is often associated with the mineral composition of silicates?

The mineral composition of silicates is primarily characterized by the presence of silicon and oxygen. Silicates are the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust, and they consist generally of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, where a silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. This foundational structure accounts for their properties and behaviors in geological processes.

Oxygen is a significant component of this tetrahedral structure, fulfilling a critical role in the formation and stability of silicate minerals. The arrangement of silicon and oxygen allows for the variety of silicate minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and micas, which are essential in many geological processes, from rock formation to soil development.

In contrast, choices such as carbon, hydrogen, and tungsten do not play a central role in the mineral composition of silicates. Carbon is typically associated with carbonates and organic compounds, while hydrogen is involved in hydrous minerals and compounds but is not a primary component of silicates. Tungsten is a metal commonly found in specific ore minerals but is not a fundamental component of silicate minerals.