9 Uncommon Facts about Mica That You Might Don't Know

 What is mica?

 What is mica made up of?

 Why do many industries rely on mica minerals or products?

 



If these questions are in someone's mind, this post is meant for them. Here we have covered 9 uncommon and interesting facts about mica that you may have not even heard before.

So, without any further ado, let's get started!

 

Fact #1: How was the term "mica" derived?

The word "mica" is a Latin word that means a crumb and is probably based on medicare to glitter. In general definition, mica is a group of natural silicate minerals structured in thin-sheet and plate forms.

 

Fact #2: What are the different classifications of dioctahedral mica?

The dioctahedral micas include muscovite and paragonite mica.

 

Fact #3: What are the interlayer-deficient contents of mica?

Mica contains a variety of water and ion content. In informed terms, it is popular as "clay mica." It includes:

·         Hydro-muscovite with H3O+ along with K in the X site;

·         Illite with a K deficiency in the X site and correspondingly more Si in the Z site

·         Phengite with Mg or Fe2+ substituting for AI in the Y site and a equivalent increase in Si in the Z site.

 

Fact #4: What are the different classifications of trioctahedral mica?

The trioctahedral micas include lepidolite, phlogopite, biotite, zinnwaldite, and clintonite as the brittle mica.

 

Fact #5: What mica is used for commercial purposes?

Two different types of mica are used for commercial purposes: muscovite and phlogopite. They are widely used in different applications, like manufacturing mica sheets, mica washers, mica tapes, and many more. Mica has unique physical properties, great electrical resistance, and thermal insulation.

 

Fact #6: What is the use of ground mica?

Ground mica is used in the joint compound for filling and finishing seams and gypsum wallboard. In addition, it acts as a filler and extender to enhance the workability of the compound.

 

Fact #7: What is the use of commercial built-up mica?

Commercial built-up mica, muscovite, and phlogopite mica can be fabricated into multiple mica products. However, the most common use of built-up mica is an electrical insulation material.

 

Fact #8: What are the occurrences of mica?

Mica is widely distributed in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary regimes.

 

Fact #9: What are the most common mica-based applications?

High-grade mica is not only used in electronics and electrical components. In addition, it is also used as marker dials, stove, kerosene heater windows, optical filters, pyrometers, thermal regulators; radiation aperture covers for microwave ovens, and mica thermic heater elements.

 

In the Nutshell

These are some interesting and uncommon facts about mica minerals. If you also know some interesting facts about mica that we haven't covered in the post, please mention them in the comments section for our valuable readers.

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