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Which element is the most abundant in Earth’s crust?

ScienceChemistry

Quick Answer

Oxygen is the most abundant element in Earth’s crust. It makes up about 46% of the crust by mass.

The Full Story

Oxygen is the most abundant element in Earth’s crust, accounting for about 46% by mass. It is not found mostly as free oxygen gas in the crust, but as part of compounds such as silicates and oxides. Silicon is the second most abundant element, which is why many common rocks and minerals are silicon-oxygen based. This elemental makeup is a major reason Earth’s surface is dominated by rocks and minerals rather than metals.

Key Facts

1.Oxygen is about 46% of Earth’s crust by mass
2.Silicon is the second most abundant element
3.Much of crustal oxygen is bound in minerals

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The most common element in Earth’s crust isn’t a metal — it’s oxygen"