micas
Thin sheet minerals
Micas are a group of minerals that form in thin, flexible sheets that can be peeled apart.
They have a distinctive glittery or flaky appearance and are found in rocks like granite and schist.
Mica is used in electronics as an insulator, in cosmetics for shimmer, and historically in windows before glass became common.
The singular is mica.
Color shift from interference
- lusterSoft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- sparkleEmit flashing light
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
glint · pearlescent · reflective · translucent · glitter · shine · gleam · scintillation
Common pale mica
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- feldsparSilicate mineral group
- quartzCrystalline silicon dioxide
granite · schist · gneiss · crystal · flakes · sheets · cleavage · translucent
Undergoing structural change
- igneousFormed from cooled magma
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- foliationLeaf formation process
- schistPlaty-mineral metamorphic rock
gneiss · strata · laminated · stratification · outcrop · bedrock · tectonics · erosion
Thermal transfer prevention
- thermalPertaining to warmth
- heat-resistantUnaffected by high temperatures
- fireproofUnable to ignite
- electricalInvolving conducted current
capacitors · electronics · dielectric · gaskets · windows · furnaces · fillers · pigments
iridescence
Color shift from interference
glimmer · glint · pearlescent · reflective · translucent · glitter · shine · gleam · scintillation · opalescent
muscovite
Common pale mica
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- feldsparSilicate mineral group
quartz · granite · schist · gneiss · crystal · flakes · sheets · cleavage · translucent · flexible
metamorphic
Undergoing structural change
- igneousFormed from cooled magma
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- foliationLeaf formation process
schist · gneiss · strata · laminated · stratification · outcrop · bedrock · tectonics · erosion · deposition
insulation
Thermal transfer prevention
- thermalPertaining to warmth
- heat-resistantUnaffected by high temperatures
- fireproofUnable to ignite
electrical · capacitors · electronics · dielectric · gaskets · windows · furnaces · fillers · pigments · lubricants
cosmetics
Skin-applied beauty substances
powder · flakes · pearlescent · decorative