Mica Properties, Meaning, Facts and Photos

What is Mica?

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

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

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

Mica is a soft mineral that scratches easily.  On the Mohs scale of hardness it grades 2.5 to 3.  Because it's 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 they 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 also used as a lubricant and protective coating in various applications.  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 are found in one of the poorest regions of India.  It's also mined in Madagascar.

Mines tend to be 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 soft, silvery-white metallic element used to determine the age of rocks older than ten million years.

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 which make them important components in a wide variety of modern technologies.

Healing Properties of Mica

Mica can be used to balance and align the chakras.  It also 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 to balance mood swings.  It can also help reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes.

Lithium 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 own judgement and gut instinct. It promotes psychic ability and deepens spiritual connections.

Some History of Mica Minerals

The different mica minerals have a long history of use by humans.  It can be traced back many thousands of years.

Traces of mica have been found in cave paintings that date back 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 the shimmering appearance of mica.

Article Pictures

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

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