Mica Properties, Meaning, Facts and Photos

What is Mica?

Mica is a group of minerals characterised by its thin layered structure. Its crystal structure is unique because it splits easily into fine, transparent, flexible sheets.

There are several types of mica, some of which include muscovite, lepidolite, biotite and phlogopite.

Mica minerals, mostly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, are known for their sparkling or shimmering/iridescent appearance.

A soft mineral that scratches easily, mica grades 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because it is so delicate, it must be handled carefully. 

The most common type of mica, which is muscovite, is found in various colours including white, silver and gold. Biotite is a black or brown variety, and phlogopite is golden-brown.

Mica minerals have several interesting properties so are widely used on an industrial scale. They're highly resistant to heat and have a high melting point. They also have good insulating properties, so are used in the production of wires and cables.

Mica is used as a lubricant and protective coating in various applications, and in paints and coatings, it gives a shimmering metallic finish.

This group of minerals are valued for their unique physical properties and versatility.

Mica flakes are used in almost all cosmetics because they add shimmer and/or iridescence. They also add lustre and sparkle and are used where brightening or glow is needed.

Mica is widely used in skin care products and body lotions.
Some of the world's largest deposits of mica are found in one of India's poorest regions. It's also mined in Madagascar.

Mines are often unregulated, and child labour is common.

I only buy mica from Brazil. It's mined primarily in the southeast of the country.

Lepidolite, another popular type of mica, is typically found in granite, pegmatite and metamorphic rocks. Known for its lilac, pink or purplish colour, it's often found combined with quartz, feldspar and tourmaline.

Lepidolite is Earth's most common lithium-bearing mineral and one of the few that contains rubidium. Rubidium is a highly reactive, soft, silvery-white metallic element that must be handled carefully. Due to its reactivity, it tends to ignite spontaneously in air and reacts violently with water.

Rubidium is used to determine the age of rocks older than ten million years through a method known as rubidium-strontium dating.

Lithium is a key component in the production of batteries and other tech materials. It's also a source of rare earth elements used in various industrial applications.

Rare earth elements are a group of metallic elements found in small quantities in Earth's crust. They're sometimes referred to as rare earth metals. 

They're characterised by their unique chemical and physical properties, making them important components in a wide variety of modern technologies.

Healing Properties of Mica

Mica can be used to balance and align the chakras and has significant grounding and protective qualities.

Lepidolite is widely used in crystal healing primarily because it's a rich source of lithium. Lithium is a chemical element with several important medical uses. It's classified as a mood stabiliser and is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

In the treatment of bipolar, lithium helps balance mood swings and can also help reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. It has been used to treat other mental health conditions including depression.

Lepidolite has a calming, balancing energy that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes feelings of hope and optimism and helps bring about emotional stability.

Mica is often used to enhance self-reflection and self-awareness. It encourages introspection, which allows you to gain insights into your emotions, behaviours and thought patterns. Mica facilitates personal growth and transformation.

It's also believed to activate and strengthen intuition. Mica encourages you to trust your judgement and gut instinct. It promotes psychic ability and deepens spiritual connections.

Some History of Mica Minerals

Mica minerals have a long history of use by humans and can be traced back many thousands of years.

It has been found in cave paintings from 40,000 to 10,000 BC.  

Some of the earliest recorded evidence of mica comes from ancient Indian texts which describe its use in various applications, some of which include cosmetics and jewellery. It has also been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

The name comes from the Latin 'micare', meaning 'to shine'. This refers to mica's shimmering appearance.

Article Pictures

The lepidolite mica at the top of our article, and the single piece, are from our collection.

The second photo, which is courtesy of Stan Celestian, is muscovite mica. The image is clickable and redirects to the original photo.