Later, with the development of science and technology, people gradually realized that mica minerals have high insulation, high temperature resistance, strong acid and alkali resistance, and mica also began to enter building materials, fire, plastics, paper, rubber, pearlite pigments and other industries. These are mainly Muscovite and phlogopite.

Natural mica powder and synthetic mica powder have differences in production methods, heat resistance and color transparency. As the name suggests, natural mica powder is made from natural mica ore after processing, retaining the original characteristics and composition of the ore. Its main components are SiO2 (about 49%) and Al2O3 (about 30%), while also containing K2O+Na2O (9%-11%) and so on. The synthetic mica powder (such as fluoroglogopicite powder), is the use of a variety of raw materials through high temperature reaction and other chemical methods synthetic, its composition and characteristics can be adjusted and optimized according to the need, the chemical formula is KMg3(AlSi3O10)F2, belongs to the monoclinic crystal system, is a typical layered silicate, relatively single and pure composition. The heat resistance of natural mica powder is generally 500-600℃, and some types, such as phlogopite, can reach 800℃. The heat resistance of synthetic mica powder is more excellent, and it can withstand high temperatures above 1200℃, and the melting point or crystallization temperature is about 1375±5. The transparency of natural mica powder is relatively low, and the color is diverse, including black, yellow, white, gray, green, brown and other colors, and may vary due to different ore types and processing methods. The color of synthetic mica powder is relatively single, usually colorless transparent or white, high whiteness, good optical performance, and high transmittance from ultraviolet to infrared band.

In the electronics sector, mica raw plays a crucial role due to its excellent dielectric properties. Mica is widely used as an insulating material in electrical capacitors, transformers, and other electronic components, where it helps to prevent electrical leakage and provide stability. The demand for mica in this field is expected to grow as global technological advancements continue to drive the development of more efficient and compact electronic devices. Furthermore, mica is an important component in the manufacturing of insulators and tubing used in high-voltage applications, where its thermal stability is indispensable.

X { Y2-3 [Z4O10] (OH)2 }

A group of parallel cleavages can be seen in a photograph of biomica under orthogonal polarized (left) and single polarized (right) mirrors.

Later, with the development of science and technology, people gradually realized that mica minerals have high insulation, high temperature resistance, strong acid and alkali resistance, and mica also began to enter building materials, fire, plastics, paper, rubber, pearlite pigments and other industries. These are mainly Muscovite and phlogopite.

Heat reflective paints contribute to a more comfortable living environment. Buildings and homes painted with these special coatings tend to maintain cooler temperatures, which can lead to a more pleasant atmosphere, especially during peak summertime. Furthermore, reduced temperature fluctuations can enhance overall indoor air quality, as consistent temperatures help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in warm, humid conditions.

Natural mica powder and synthetic mica powder also have great differences in electrical insulation, mechanical properties, chemical stability, application range and cost. Natural mica powder has good electrical insulation, but the volume resistivity is lower than that of synthetic mica. Synthetic mica powder has better electrical insulation properties, high volume resistivity and stable dielectric constant, and is suitable for high performance electrical insulation materials. The hardness of natural mica powder is relatively low (2-3), and it has good elasticity and peeling property. The hardness of synthetic mica powder is higher (between 3 and 4), and the tensile strength and compressive strength are better than that of natural mica powder. Natural mica powder is stable in acid-base solution, but it is easy to decompose at high temperature. Synthetic mica powder is stable to acid and base at room temperature, but will be slowly corroded by sulfuric acid above 300℃. Better thermal stability, not easy to release gas. Natural mica powder is widely used in electrical appliances, welding rods, rubber, plastics, paper making, paint and other fields. Synthetic mica powder is mainly used in high-end electrical insulation materials, aviation, aerospace, national defense industry and other high-tech fields. Because synthetic mica powder needs to be produced through complex chemical processes, its production cost is usually higher than that of natural mica powder. Therefore, in the market, the price of synthetic mica powder is often higher than that of natural mica powder. However, with the continuous progress of production technology and the gradual emergence of scale effects, the price of synthetic mica powder is expected to gradually decrease.

Phlogopite is another type of mica that is similar to biotite but contains more magnesium and less iron, leading to a lighter color that ranges from golden brown to a pale green hue. It is predominantly found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those formed under high-temperature conditions. Phlogopite is especially valued in applications requiring thermal resistance, such as in the manufacturing of refractory materials and as a filler in various industrial applications. Its high dielectric strength also makes it suitable for electrical insulation, similar to muscovite.

Mica powder is incredibly versatile and finds applications in numerous industries

In these factories, technological advancement coexists with traditional practices. Automation plays a significant role in enhancing efficiency and minimizing human error, yet the human touch remains indispensable. The calibration and programming of machinery are the realms of engineers who bring their authoritative knowledge to bear, bridging the gap between mechanical processes and material science.