Historical Information About Muscovite
Muscovite, the most common of the mica minerals, is a metamorphic rock, resulting from the alteration of feldspar, kyanite and topaz. It is found in schists, granites, pegmatites and gneisses. Muscovite is clear to pearly in appearance, and it sparkles when embedded in other rocks. It has a rich history of industrial uses, beginning in Russia. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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In Latin, mica is called micare, meaning to "glitter" or "shine." According to the website Mindat, the name muscovite was first used in 1850 and was derived from the term "Muscovy glass." Muscovy is a reference to the province of Muscovy in Russia, where muscovite was used as a glass substitute in the 14th century.
Rarity
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Large sheets of muscovite were rare until the 19th century when reserves were discovered in South America. According to the MRC de La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, the largest sheet of muscovite ever successfully mined came from Denholm, Quebec, in Canada.
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Physical Properties
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According to Mindat, muscovite is translucent and pearly in color. It is often found in sheets embedded in other rocks. Muscovite can be split into transparent and flexible films. Muscovite can withstand temperatures up to 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit (700 degrees Centigrade).
Industrial Uses
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In the 19th century, muscovite was used for windows (particularly in Russia), and for insulating and fireproofing materials in the United States. According to the website Minerals Zone, muscovite has a unique combination of thermal and chemical properties that make it useful in the electrical industry. Thin, transparent sheets of muscovite are used for tapes and films in appliances and instruments. Muscovite is also used in paints, cosmetics, wallpaper and drywall.
Prospecting
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Muscovite is mined in India, Pakistan, Brazil, Canada and the United States. New deposits of muscovite are found by a process of trial and error. The muscovite that comes out of a mine is called crude muscovite. Miners chisel the crude muscovite into blocks and films. A large amount of muscovite goes to waste during this process. According to Minerals Zone, roughly 60 to 80 percent of mined muscovite is never sold.
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