Mica is an important group of rock forming silicate minerals, belonging to the subgroup called phyllo silicates . The word Mica is thought to be derived from the Latin word Micare meaning "to shine" this description refers to its shiny appearance. Mica is highly fireproof ,non-flammable.
The commercial important Micas are Muscavite and Phlogopite Mica's value is based on several of its unique physical characteristic. the crystalline structure of Mica forms layers that can be split or delaminated into thin sheets , usually causing foliation in rocks.
This sheets are chemically inert, dielectric ,elastic, flexible, insulating , lightweight, platy ,reflective ,resilient and range in opacity form transparent to opaque. Mica is stable when exposed to electricity , light , moisture and extreme temperatures. It can be split very thin (0.025 to 0.125 mm or thinner).
Mica Analysis
Common Micas:
Muscovite
Muscovite (white mica) with The chemical formula of (3H2KAL3(SiO4))is the most common members of the Mica group. It has Mohs hardness of 2-2.25, and specific gravity of 2.76 to 3. Its crystal system is monoclinic .Because of its perfect cleavage can occur in thin, transparent but durable sheets .Muscovite is usually colorless but maybe light grey, Brown, pale green, Rose red in color. Muscovite is economically important. Because of its low iron content it is an excellent thermal and electrical insulator. Muscovite is widely used in the production of fireproof and insulating materials.
Biotite
it is a sheet silicate ,iron, magnesium, aluminum, silicon oxygen and hydrogen form sheets that are Weakly bound together by potassium ions. It has Mohs hardness of 2.52 3.0 and specific gravity of 2.7 to 3.3 crystal system is monoclinic.
Phlogopite
Phlogopite is a yellow greenish or reddish brown member of the Mica family of phyllosilicates. It is also known as magnesium Mica with the chemical formula of H2K(Mg)3AL(SiO4)3. its specific gravity is 2.76-2.90 gr per cubic centimeter, and its crystal system is monoclinic.
Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a lilac-gray or rose colored. It is a member of Mica, with the chemical formula of KLiAL(Oh,F)2AL(SiO4)3(H2K), its specific gravity is 2.70-3.30, its crystal system is monoclinic, and it has Mohs hardness of 2.5-4.
Mica’s applications:
Golden Mica
This product is completely mineral and does not use chemical to change its color. Because of this property it is not affected by natural factors such as sunlight and its color remains constant. This product is used in the cellulose coating and paint industry.
Mica in drilling industry
Mica is used in drilling industry in various shapes and dimensions. Its primary role is to seal the borehole walls to prevent leakage and pressure loss when encounters fractured areas.
Lidoma supplies this product in 25kg bags and 1.5 ton jumbo bags.
Mica in painting
Mica is used as filler in paint industry Mica muscovite due to its transparent properties increases the reflection of light and gloss of the paint another application of Mica in paint industry is to enhance resistance to erosion and avoid oxidation of the paint.
Transparent Mica
Transparent mica has different applications but because of its appearance and its waterproof characteristic it has the highest consumption in cellulose coating. This type of Mica has been used by several cellulosic coating manufacturers for many years.
Mica in other industries
Mica is used in other industries such as rubber, electric industry, insulation ,lining industry.