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Muscovite

A species of Dioctahedral mica Group, Also known as Amphilogite, Didymite, Muscowitow, White Mica

Muscovite is a common member of the mica family that often forms thin, shimmering, highly fragile sheets. As the mineral associates with all types of rocks and boasts a global distribution, if you've spent a fair amount of time outside, you've probably seen some muscovite! When ground or processed into sheets, this mineral is a component in plastics, rubbers, asphalt roofing, paint, and a whole host of specialized engineering and electronics components.

Hardness:

2.5

Density:

2.83 g/cm³

General Info About Muscovite

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Physical Properties of Muscovite

Luster

Pearly, Vitreous, Silky

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

White, colorless, silvery-white

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Elastic

Cleavage

Perfect

Fracture

Micaceous

Streak

White

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Hardness

2.5 , Extremely soft

Density

2.83 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Muscovite

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

Elements listed

Al, H, K, O, Si

Common Impurities

Cr, Li, Fe, V, Mn, Na, Cs, Rb, Ca, Mg, H₂O

Optical Properties of Muscovite

Refractive Index

1.552-1.618

Pleochroism

Weak

Optical Character

Biaxial negative

Discover the Value of Muscovite

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Rarity

Easy to obtain

Collection Recommendation

3.9 out of 5

Popularity

Aesthetic

3.9

Rarity

3.6

Sci-Cultural Value

The Market Price of Muscovite

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Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$2 - $20

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$20 - $35

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$35 - $60

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$60

Characteristics of Muscovite

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Rock Types of Muscovite

The green, chromium-rich variety is called fuchsite; mariposite is also a chromium-rich type of muscovite.

Characteristics of Muscovite

It has a highly perfect basal cleavage yielding remarkably thin laminae (sheets) which are often highly elastic.

Muscovite has a Mohs hardness of 2–2.25 parallel to the [001] face, 4 perpendicular to the [001] and a specific gravity of 2.76–3. It can be colorless or tinted through grays, browns, greens, yellows, or (rarely) violet or red, and can be transparent or translucent. It is anisotropic and has high birefringence. Its crystal system is monoclinic.

Cultural Significance of Muscovite

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Uses of Muscovite

Muscovite, like many micaceous minerals, is has many uses in construction. It is often incorporated with gypsum to reinforce sheet rock, and can be used to reinforce other materials such as rubber used in tires. Muscovite is also a good insulator in electrical devices.

The Meaning of Muscovite

Muscovite is said to have been used in magic. It was believed to enhance a witch’s psychic powers. These witches would supposedly use the gemstone to assist with their magical visions. Muscovite is also said to have been used by witches when they wished to speak with spirits.

Distribution of Muscovite

Sheets of muscovite 5 meters × 3 meters (16.5 feet × 10 feet) have been found in Nellore, India.

Etymology of Muscovite

The name muscovite comes from Muscovy-glass, a name given to the mineral in Elizabethan England due to its use in medieval Russia (Muscovy) as a cheaper alternative to glass in windows. This usage became widely known in England during the sixteenth century with its first mention appearing in letters by George Turberville, the secretary of England's ambassador to the Muscovite tsar Ivan the Terrible, in 1568.

Healing Properties of Muscovite

Muscovite is believed to help reveal a person's true self, allowing them to open their heart to a deeper love and understanding of others. Often used on the Third Eye and Crown chakra, it is said to help a person with everyday decision making and living a purposeful life. The vibrations from the stone are believed to open channels between a person and their spirit guide.

Chakras

Third Eye, Crown