Questions: The most common minerals in the upper part of the continental crust are colored silicates. They are felsic in composition, and their color is a direct result of their elemental composition.

The answer is: light-colored silicates.

Explanation:

1. The most common minerals in the upper part of the continental crust are felsic minerals. Felsic minerals are typically rich in elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminum, sodium, and potassium.
2. These minerals are generally light in color, which is a characteristic feature of felsic minerals. Common examples include quartz, feldspar (both plagioclase and orthoclase), and muscovite mica.
3. The light color of these minerals is due to their elemental composition, which lacks significant amounts of iron and magnesium, elements that typically contribute to darker colors in minerals.

In summary, the most common minerals in the upper part of the continental crust are light-colored silicates, which are felsic in composition.