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Mica is known world-wide for its high temperature, electrical, mechanical and optical properties.
Muscovite (also known as white or Indian mica) is the most common mica mineral. In the Muscovy province of Russia, mica was used as window panes. Muscovite mica derives its name from this usage of “Muscovy” glass. Mica has been used as windows for iron stoves for many years due to its high melting point and transparent qualities.
From windows in wood stoves to modern electronic technology, Muscovite mica is an indispensable resource. Almost every electronic devise made today has a mica insulator. Its high resistance to the passage of electricity and heat has not been matched by any man-made materials.
Muscovite mica is a basic potassium aluminum silicate. The world’s chief deposits are found in India at Bihar and in the Nellore district of Madras.
Phlogopite mica (also known as amber) is darker than muscovite and is a hydrated silicate of potassium and magnesium. Its distinct red-brown color gives us its name from the Greek word phlogopos, which means “fire-like”. Accessible deposits are located in India. Phlogopite will also run into shades of light to dark green. The darker green micas are usually an indication that the material originated from southern Africa and Madagascar.
Phlogopite mica doesn’t have the transparency of Muscovite but can be utilized at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius.
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