muscovite

muscovite, abundant silicate mineral that contains potassium and aluminum. Muscovite is the most common member of the mica group. Because of its perfect cleavage, it can occur in thin, transparent, but durable sheets. Sheets of muscovite were used in Russia for windowpanes and became known as Muscovy glass (isinglass), hence its common name. Muscovite typically occurs in metamorphic rocks, particularly gneisses and schists, where it forms crystals and plates. It also occurs in granites, in fine-grained sediments, and in some highly siliceous rocks. Large crystals of muscovite are often found in veins and pegmatites. One crystal mined near Nellore, India, measured 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter and 5 meters (15 feet) in length and weighed 85 tons.

Muscovite is usually colourless but may be light gray, brown, pale green, or rose-red in colour. The crystals are tabular with a hexagonal or pseudo-hexagonal outline; they are commonly lamellar and occur in aggregates. Muscovite is economically important because its low iron content makes it a good electrical and thermal insulator. Fine-grained muscovite is called sericite, or white mica. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see mica.