According to the Dana classification system, minerals that contain the anion SO(4)(2-) are classified as which type of chemical class?

Minerals that contain the anion SO4^2- are classified as sulfates in the Dana classification system. This classification is based on the presence of specific anions in the mineral's chemical composition. The sulfate group specifically involves minerals that include the sulfate ion, which consists of sulfur atom centrally bonded to four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. This unique structural feature distinguishes sulfates from other mineral classes that have different anionic components. Each of the other classes mentioned corresponds to different anions: nitrates contain the NO3^- anion, carbonates contain the CO3^2- anion, and phosphates contain the PO4^3- anion, making the distinction clear. Thus, the presence of the SO4^2- anion directly identifies the mineral as belonging to the sulfate class.