Jadeite, NaAlSi₂O₆, is a semi-precious gemstone, a member of the inosilicate (chain silicate) family and the pyroxene group. It has a single chain structure (see highlighting features below) with infinite length chains along the c axis. Adjacent tetrahedral chains are inverted, thus providing relatively large sites for charge-balancing cations. Other cations, in this case sodium, balance leftover charges from the chain structure and holds the chains together.

Jimthompsonite is an inosilicate with a triple chain silicate backbone. Pyroxenes have a single chain, amphiboles have a double chain, and jimthompsonite and a few other minerals have even wider chains.

Tremolite, Ca₂(Mg,Fe²⁺)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂, is a common inosilicate (chain silicate) mineral of the amphibole group. Its crystal system is monoclinic with long bladed or prismatic crystal habit. It is known to crystallize in the asbestiform habit and the fibrous form of temolite is one of six recognized types of asbestos. Tremolite is sometimes found as a contaminant in talc, vermiculite (as in Libby, Montana) and crysolite (itself as an asbestos mineral).

Wollastonite is the calcium end member of the pyroxenoids, having a formula unit composition of CaSiO3. At high temperatures it forms an extensive solid solution with FeSiO3 and MnSiO3 (rhodonite); at low temperatures two intermediate members, hedenbergite CaFe(SiO3)2 and bustamite (Mn,Ca,Fe)SiO3 form.

Pyroxenoids are similar to pyroxenes with the exception that the silica chains have longer repeat patterns due to twisting or other types of alteration of the silica chain. The repeat distance in wollastonite is 3 silica units; that of rhodonite is 5, and some others are even longer.