Mica crystal

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M554 - Mica crystal "books" (Georgia, USA)

These specimens we dug from a Georgia red clay environment, thus the clay color on the edges of this material. We've sorted the material into three sizes. The specimens run in size from about one-half to over one inch thick. The most prominent characteristic of mica is the highly perfect cleavage. The common micas are Biotite, Lepidolite, Muscovite, Phlogopite and Zinnwaldite.

Mica is formed in igneous, metamorphic and in sedimentary environments. Large crystals of mica used for various applications are typically mined from granitic pegmatites. Sheet mica is used in electrical components, electronics, isinglass, and atomic force microscopy. Mica has a very high melting temperature of about 1,650 degrees fahrenheit and among other uses, has been used as small windows in coal and wood heaters. Called "isinglass, thin transparent sheets of mica have been used as peepholes in boilers, lanterns, stoves, and kerosene heaters because they were less ikely to shatter compared to glass when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Weight: .15 pounds, .20 pounds, .40 pounds

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