Muscovite
A variety of Dioctahedral mica Group
What is Muscovite?
Muscovite is a common member of the mica family that often forms thin, shimmering, highly fragile sheets. As the mineral associates with all types of rocks and boasts a global distribution, if you've spent a fair amount of time outside, you've probably seen some muscovite! When ground or processed into sheets, this mineral is a component in plastics, rubbers, asphalt roofing, paint, and a whole host of specialized engineering and electronics components.
Etymology & Origins
The name muscovite comes from Muscovy-glass, a name given to the mineral in Elizabethan England due to its use in medieval Russia (Muscovy) as a cheaper alternative to glass in windows. This usage became widely known in England during the sixteenth century with its first mention appearing in letters by George Turberville, the secretary of England's ambassador to the Muscovite tsar Ivan the Terrible, in 1568.
Uses & Applications
Muscovite, like many micaceous minerals, is has many uses in construction. It is often incorporated with gypsum to reinforce sheet rock, and can be used to reinforce other materials such as rubber used in tires. Muscovite is also a good insulator in electrical devices.
Healing Properties
Muscovite is believed to help reveal a person's true self, allowing them to open their heart to a deeper love and understanding of others. Often used on the Third Eye and Crown chakra, it is said to help a person with everyday decision making and living a purposeful life. The vibrations from the stone are believed to open channels between a person and their spirit guide.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.552-1.618
- Pleochroism
- Weak
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
Discover Values
Muscovite Market Value Calculator
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Muscovite Localities Map
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The Meaning
Muscovite is said to have been used in magic. It was believed to enhance a witch’s psychic powers. These witches would supposedly use the gemstone to assist with their magical visions. Muscovite is also said to have been used by witches when they wished to speak with spirits.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Rock Types of Muscovite
The green, chromium-rich variety is called fuchsite; mariposite is also a chromium-rich type of muscovite.
Characteristics of Muscovite
It has a highly perfect basal cleavage yielding remarkably thin laminae (sheets) which are often highly elastic. Muscovite has a Mohs hardness of 2–2.25 parallel to the [001] face, 4 perpendicular to the [001] and a specific gravity of 2.76–3. It can be colorless or tinted through grays, browns, greens, yellows, or (rarely) violet or red, and can be transparent or translucent. It is anisotropic and has high birefringence. Its crystal system is monoclinic.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, colorless, silvery-white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly, Vitreous, Silky
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
- Elements
- Al, H, K, O, Si
Also Known As
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