Take pearlescent pigments as an example, pearlescent pigments are a class of pigments with pearl luster, which are deposited on the substrate (generally natural mica, synthetic mica, glass sheet and other sheet-like materials) above a layer or alternately deposited multiple layers of metal oxides or non-metallic oxides and formed a flat sandwich body with a structure similar to sandwich. Due to the difference in refractive index between the substrate and the oxide deposited on its surface and each oxide, when the light shines on the surface of the pearlescent pigment, the incident light will be refracted and reflected at the interface of each layer of the pearlescent pigment, and the color of the pearlescent pigment that people see is the result of the superposition of light after multiple refractions and reflections of the light, that is, the interference phenomenon of light.

1. Quality and Grade The purity and quality of mica powder are primary determinants of its price. Higher-grade mica, which contains fewer impurities and has finer particle sizes, commands a higher price. Cosmetic-grade mica is usually more expensive than industrial-grade due to the stringent quality control required for products that will be applied to the skin.

Despite its myriad benefits, the mica industry faces challenges, particularly regarding ethical sourcing. Concerns over child labor and environmental degradation in some mica-producing regions have prompted demands for more responsible practices. Companies are increasingly seeking to ensure that their mica is sourced ethically, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the supply chain.