What is micas economic value?
The value of mica is in its unique physical properties. The crystalline structure of mica forms mineral layers that can be split or delaminated into thin sheets. These sheets are flexible, elastic, platy, transparent to opaque, resilient, reflective, refractive, dielectric, chemically inert, insulating, lightweight, and hydrophilic. Mica also is stable when exposed to electricity, light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Based on its greater abundance and superior electrical properties, muscovite is the principal mica used by industry. Phlogopite remains stable at higher temperatures and is used in applications where a combination of high-heat stability and electrical properties is required. Muscovite and phlogopite are used in sheet and ground forms. Over 150,000 metric tons of scrap and flake mica are produced in the United States yearly. Essentially all sheet mica used in the United States is imported, primarily from India. Mica is used in electrical and insulation material. Major
