mineral
Mica flakes (Muscovite)
Muscovite mica (KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 2-2.5, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage producing thin, elastic sheets.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Mica flakes (Muscovite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness 2-2.5, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage producing thin, elastic sheets.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like granites and pegmatites, as well as metamorphic schists and gneisses under regional metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used as an electrical and thermal insulator, in cosmetics for shimmer, and as a filler in paints and plastics.
Geological facts
Historic 'Muscovy glass' was used in medieval Russia as a durable, shatterproof alternative to window glass.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by shiny, thin, circular or book-like flakes that peel into flexible transparent-to-translucent sheets; abundant worldwide in granitic terrains.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
mineral