Abstract: High-resolution X-ray emission spectra (XES) are presented for minerals with a variety of structures. The participation of the Si 3p orbitals in bonding is influenced by the local structure around the silicon atom. In orthosilicates the distortion of the SiO₄^4--tetrahedron influences both peak-width and the intensity of the high-energy shoulder of the Si-Kβ spectrum. In minerals containing Si-O-Si bonds there is mixing of the Si 3s and 3p orbitals giving rise to a peak on the low-energy side of the main Si-Kβ peak. When combined with X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), a complete molecular orbital picture of bonding can be established.