Muscovite
Image: นันทภรณ์ นิยมบวรวัฒน์ (Public domain)
Mineral NameMuscovite
Chemical FormulaKAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect basal in one direction
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.8
Colorscolorless, white, silver, pale yellow, pale brown, pale green
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupSilicates
Useselectrical insulation, cosmetics, paint filler, lubricant, decorative
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, tourmaline, garnet, beryl
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a specimen of muscovite mica, characterized by its distinct layered structure of thin, flexible, and often translucent sheets with a silvery-white to pale brownish hue and a pearly luster.
Geological Context
Muscovite is a common rock-forming mineral found in various igneous rocks, particularly granites and pegmatites, and is abundant in metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses, forming under regional metamorphism.
