Muscovite

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Other names: White mica
Mineral class: Phyllosilicate
Composition: Aluminum silicate, KAl₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂
Hardness: 2 - 2.5
Luster: Glassy, Vitreous
Color: Transparent to tan, yellow, greenish-white
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect, 1 plane, splits into very thin sheets
Crystal form: Monoclinic
Environment: Often found as shining flakes in sedimentary rocks or small crystals in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Uses: Muscovite is used in electrical and heat insulation, paper, rubber, fireproof paint, and as a dry lubricant.
Comments: Can be scratched by fingernail. Insoluble; fuses with difficulty. Crystals may be several feet wide, were once used as windows in old Russia (Muscovy). [phyllosilicates.jpg]

Other names:	White mica
Mineral class:	Phyllosilicate
Composition:	Aluminum silicate, KAl₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂
Hardness:	2 - 2.5
Luster:	Glassy, Vitreous
Color:	Transparent to tan, yellow, greenish-white
Streak:	White
Cleavage:	Perfect, 1 plane, splits into very thin sheets
Crystal form:	Monoclinic
Environment:	Often found as shining flakes in sedimentary rocks or small crystals in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Uses:	Muscovite is used in electrical and heat insulation, paper, rubber, fireproof paint, and as a dry lubricant.
Comments:	Can be scratched by fingernail. Insoluble; fuses with difficulty. Crystals may be several feet wide, were once used as windows in old Russia (Muscovy).