Which mineral group makes up most of Earth’s continental crust?

Feldspar is the mineral group that makes up most of Earth’s continental crust.

Feldspars are aluminium silicate minerals containing potassium, sodium, calcium, or combinations of these elements. They are divided mainly into alkali feldspars and plagioclase feldspars.

They are abundant in igneous rocks such as granite and basalt, and they also occur in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Weathering commonly breaks feldspar down into clay minerals, contributing important material to soils and sediments.

Feldspar is not one single mineral species, which is why mineral references describe it as a group. Its widespread presence makes it a major clue in identifying rocks and interpreting crustal history.