mineral
Muscovite Mica
Potassium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride (KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 2-2.5, vitreous to pearly or metallic sheen, colorless to silvery-brown, monoclinic system with perfect basal cleavage producing thin flexible sheets.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 2-2.5, vitreous to pearly or metallic sheen, colorless to silvery-brown, monoclinic system with perfect basal cleavage producing thin flexible sheets.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like granitic pegmatites, as well as metamorphic schists and gneisses across diverse geological eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively utilized in electrical and thermal insulation, cosmetics (shimmer), paint additives, and joint compound fillers.
Geological facts
Historically called 'Muscovy glass' because it was used in medieval Russia as an inexpensive, shatter-resistant alternative to glass in windows.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its extreme sheet-peeling cleavage, flexible elastic flakes, and shiny metallic-pearly reflection.
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous