MUSCOVITE
WHAT IS MUSCOVITE?
Muscovite, also called common mica, potash mica,
or isinglass, abundant silicate mineral that contains
potassium and aluminum. Muscovite is the most
common member of the mica group. Because of its
perfect cleavage, it can occur in thin, transparent,
but durable sheets.
The origin of the name "Muscovite"
comes from the English words
Muscovy glass
Which is the name of type of glass
used in Russia that is made with
Muscovite.
DID YOU KNOW ?
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF
MUSCOVITE?
Muscovite (also known as common mica,
isinglass, or potash mica)is a hydrated
phyllosilicate mineral of aluminium and
potassium with formula
KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2, or
(KF)2(Al2O3)3(SiO2)6(H2O).
USES OF MUSCOVITE
PAINT
In color, ground mica is used as a pigment
extender. It keeps pigment suspended,
prevents chalking, shrinking,and brightens
the tone of colored pigments by reducing
water penetration and weathering
PLASTIC
Ground mica is used in the car industry in
the United States to increase the
performance of plastic components.
Ground mica particles are used as a sound
and vibration absorber in plastics. Stability,
stiffness, and strength are all mechanical
properties that can be improved.
JOINT COMPOUND
Ground mica is primarily used in gypsum
wallboard joint compound to conceal
seams and blemishes. Mica acts as a filler,
increases the compound's workability, and
prevents cracking in the final product. In
2011, joint compounds accounted for
nearly 70% of all dry-ground mica
consumed in the United States.
COSMETICS
In the cosmetics industry, some of the highest
quality ground mica is used. Ground mica is used
in blushes, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, hair
and body glitter, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, and
nail polish because of its pearly luster.
PROPERTIES OF MUSCOVITE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MUSCOVITE
Ø Chemical Classification
Silicate
Ø Color
Thick specimens often appear to be black, brown,
or silver in color; however, when split into thin
sheets muscovite is colorless, sometimes with a
tint of brown, yellow, green, or rose
Ø Streak
White, often sheds tiny flakes
Ø Luster Ø DiagnosticProperties
Pearly to vitreous Cleavage, color,
transparency
Ø Diaphaneity
Transparent to translucent Ø Chemical Composition
KAl2(Si3AlO10)(OH)2
Ø Cleavage
Perfect Ø Crystal System
Monoclinic
Ø Mohs Hardness Ø HABIT
2.5 to 3 MASSIVE,PLANTY
Ø Fracture
Ø Specific Gravity Micaceous
2.8 to 2.9 Ø Tenacity
Elastic
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MUSCOVITE
Muscovite is a
Muscovite's chemical potassium-rich
composition is mainly mica.
composed of hydrated
Muscovite Chemical
potassium aluminium silicate. Formula :
It is resistant to water and KAl2(AlSi3O1
acidic solutions. It contains
15-17% potassium, 4-69%
0)(OH)2
aluminium, 1-2% ferrous iron,
4-6% silica, and several other
trace components.
WHAT IS THE OCCURENCE OF MUSCOVITE?
Muscovite is present in igneous rock ,metamorphic ,
and sedimentary rocks
Muscovite is very common in large variety of
metamorphic rocks including slate, schist, phyllite,
gneiss, hornfels and quartzite
