Black mica crystals on on orange calcite block

Mica is a mineral composed of magnesium and aluminum silicate. It comes in the form of leaves which can be colorless, brown, gray, red, yellow, black, etc. Mica is commonly found as sheets in parallel layers, but it can also occur as hexagonal or blade-like shapes.

Mica is the result of tectonic forces that create folds and wrinkles in rock layers. This tectonics is responsible for the formation of consecutive layers of mica, which give the rock a sparkling appearance.

Mica is widely used in various industries, ranging from wallpapers to the manufacture of jewelry, electrical insulators and building materials. Mica is often mixed with other raw rocks and minerals">rocks to produce mortars, concretes and other building materials in a durable and long-lasting way. It is also used in cosmetics and in the pharmaceutical industry for its luminescent properties. Mica can also be used to produce light filters, thermal and acoustic insulation, decorative ceilings and walls.