Oxygen, constituting approximately 26% of the Earth's crust by mass, is a vital element in the planet's composition. This abundance is primarily attributed to the prevalence of oxygen in various minerals, such as silicates and oxides, which form the fundamental building blocks of the Earth's solid outer layer. The significance of oxygen extends beyond its role in geological formations, as it is a crucial component for life and plays a key role in various chemical and physical processes shaping the Earth's dynamic environment.