mineral
Muscovite Mica
Muscovite KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Hardness: 2.5–3. Color: pearly white, light tan, or silvery. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic with perfect basal cleavage, allowing it to peel into thin, flexible, elastic sheets.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- pearly white, light tan, or silvery
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–3. Color: pearly white, light tan, or silvery. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic with perfect basal cleavage, allowing it to peel into thin, flexible, elastic sheets.
Formation & geological history
Formed as an essential mineral in igneous rocks like granites and pegmatites, as well as in metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses through regional metamorphism. Age varies widely based on the host rock formation.
Uses & applications
Used as an electrical insulator in electronics, as a fireproofing material, in specialized glass (Muscovy glass), and ground up for use in cosmetics (glitter/shimmer effects), paints, and drilling fluids.
Geological facts
In medieval Russia, large sheets of muscovite were used for windows as a cheaper, more durable alternative to glass. It is often referred to as common mica or potashes mica.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct ability to be peeled into paper-thin, transparent sheets using a fingernail. It is very soft and has a characteristic shimmer or sparkle even in small flakes.
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
Granite
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igneous