How do sheet silicates differ from network silicates?

Sheet silicates and network silicates differ primarily in their structural arrangements. Sheet silicates, such as micas and clays, consist of layered structures where silicate tetrahedra are arranged in two-dimensional sheets, allowing for easy cleavage and flexibility. In contrast, network silicates, like quartz and feldspar, have a three-dimensional framework where tetrahedra are interconnected in all directions, resulting in a more rigid structure. This difference in bonding and arrangement affects their physical properties, such as cleavage, hardness, and overall stability.