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.

Uses of Mica Pigments

- For Crafting When incorporating shimmer powder into crafts, ensure to blend it well into your medium (like soap base or resin) to avoid clumps. A little goes a long way, so start with small amounts.

Mica powder remains a popular ingredient in cosmetics, known for its shimmering properties and versatility. While it is generally safe for use in cosmetic products, the ethical implications of mica mining raise significant concerns. As consumers become more aware of these issues, there is a growing demand for transparency and ethical sourcing within the beauty industry. Brands that prioritize responsible sourcing and offer synthetic alternatives are leading the way toward a more sustainable and safer cosmetic landscape.

Conclusion

The mica variety that does not contain iron is colorless in flakes, and the higher the iron content, the darker the color, and the more polychromatic and absorbable it is. According to the different chemical composition and optical characteristics, mica group minerals can be divided into Muscovite subgroup, biotite-phlogopite subgroup and lemica subgroup. The common mica are biotite, phlogopite, Muscovite and so on.

The rapid development of new energy vehicles, batteries and other emerging industries also provides a new application scenario for mica products, such as power battery modules and energy storage system of mica cover plate, mica partition, mica monitoring board and composite mica tape and other products, the application of mica provides the industry with a fire safety solution.

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.

The Mica Processing Plant

The global supply chain for golden mica is complex, with variations in mining practices and regulations across different countries. The demand for ethically sourced mica has prompted many companies to invest in transparent supply chains. However, the illegal mining of mica, especially in India, poses significant challenges to achieving sustainability. This illicit activity often leads to a volatile supply that can fluctuate prices unpredictably.

When selecting lip-safe mica powder, consider the following

Mica powder, a naturally occurring mineral, has gained immense popularity in various industries due to its unique properties. Derived from the mica mineral, this fine powder is celebrated for its shimmering effect, lightweight texture, and versatility. From cosmetics to crafts, the applications of mica powder are extensive and varied.