mineral

Muscovite mica

Muscovite, KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Soft (Mohs 2–2.5), pale golden-brown to silvery, with a vitreous-to-pearly luster and perfect basal cleavage that splits into thin, flexible sheets. Monoclinic, sheet-silicate crystal structure; the specimen appears to be a rough mica-rich piece, possibly with iron staining or other minerals.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms during slow cooling of granitic pegmatites and in mica schists and gneisses; its age depends on the host deposit and can range from ancient to geologically recent.

Uses & applications

Used as an electrical and thermal insulator, filler in paints and cosmetics, and occasionally as a collectible mineral; clear sheets have traditional industrial uses.

Geological facts

Mica’s exceptionally strong cleavage lets it separate into very thin sheets that remain flexible.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its shiny, layered surfaces and sheets that peel apart easily; common in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks worldwide. Small rough specimens typically sell for about $5–$25 USD.