The concepts of independent quotient and maximally independent sets in a periodic net, associated with the analysis of the Löwenstein rule in aluminosilicates, are revised. Topological graph theory is applied to validate the calculation technique of the independent quotient, based on the use of labelled quotient graphs. Some examples are considered among aluminophosphates and aluminosilicates. It is shown that chemical composition and geometry as well as topology are important factors determining cation ordering in these compounds.