Mica Properties, Meaning, Facts and Photos

Contents 1. What is Mica?  2. Mica Healing Properties 3. History of Mica 4. Article Pictures 5. Shop Mica

What is Mica?

Mica is a group of minerals characterised by their thin layered structure.  Its 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 can scratches easily.  On Mohs scale of hardness it grades 2.5 to 3.  With it being so delicate it must be handled carefully. 

Muscovite which is the most common types of mica is found in a variety of 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.

It's also used as a lubricant and protective coating in a variety of applications.  In paints and coatings mica gives a shimmering metallic finish.

Mica minerals are valued for their unique physical properties and versatility.

Mica flakes are used in almost all cosmetics because of their shimmer and/or iridescence.  They add lustre and sparkle and are used where brightening or glow is required.
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.

We only buy mica from Brazil.  It's mined primarily in the south east of the country.

Lepidolite which is 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 to contain rubidium. Rubidium is a soft silvery white coloured metallic element used to determine the age of rocks more than ten million years old.

Lithium is a key component in the production of batteries and other high-tech materials. It's also used as a source of rare earth elements which are used in a variety of industrial applications.

Rare earth elements are a group of metallic elements that are 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.

Mica Healing Properties

Mica can be used to balance and align the chakras.  It 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 a number of 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 such as depression.

Lepidolite has a calming and balancing energy which 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, allowing individuals to gain insights into their emotions, behaviours and thought patterns.  It facilitates personal growth and transformation.

Mica activates and strengthens intuition.  It encourages you to to trust your own judgement and learn from innate wisdom. It promotes psychic ability and deepens spiritual connections.

Some History of Mica

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 word "micare" meaning "to shine." This refers to its shimmering appearance.

Article Pictures

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

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