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Muscovite

Chemical Formula

KAl2(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2

Chemical Class

Silicates

Properties

This sample was found in Espera Feliz (MG).

Origin

This sample was found in Espera Feliz (MG).

Curiosities

Its name comes from ‘Muscovy Glass’, from Ancient Russia (Muscovy), when a muscovite film was used as glass. Muscovite belongs to mica group. The word ‘mica’ comes from the Latin ‘micare’, meaning ‘shining’. USE

Use

As it is a fine thermal insulant and an outstanding electric insulant, muscovite is used in instruments for such purposes, and also in some mineral pigment types. Muscovite photo credit: Henry Yu

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