The common characteristics of mica group minerals are: layered silicate minerals, monoclinic crystal system, a few trigonal crystal system, the crystals are pseudo-hexagonal columnar, plate and sheet; The aggregate is scaly and foliaceous. It has a set of extremely complete cleavage, along which it is easy to peel into sheets. Therefore, the shape of mica is usually regarded as sheet.

Mica is a very common rock-forming mineral, widely distributed in crystalline rocks. Its general chemical formula can be expressed as:

In short, there are significant differences between natural mica powder and synthetic mica powder in production methods, color and appearance, performance characteristics, application fields, and price and cost. Synthetic mica powder is superior to natural mica powder in terms of high temperature resistance, transparency, electrical insulation, stability and mechanical properties, while natural mica powder has more advantages in resource acquisition, cost and color. When choosing which type of mica powder to use, you can consider the high temperature resistance of the required material, electrical insulation performance, transparency and color requirements, evaluate the mechanical strength and hardness of the required material, consider chemical stability and other different application scenarios and technical requirements to make a reasonable choice.

Moreover, eco-friendly mica empowers consumers to make informed choices. When purchasing products containing mica, individuals can seek out brands that transparently disclose their sourcing practices. Many companies are now highlighting their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. This shift not only fosters trust between the brand and its consumers but encourages other companies to adopt sustainable practices.

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

2. Functional Properties Pigment powders also contribute to the physical properties of the resin. For instance, some pigments can offer UV resistance, adding longevity to outdoor applications. Others may improve thermal stability or reduce the flammability of the resin.

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 mica industry is undergoing profound changes. With the help of emerging industries, the mica industry will be a large market of more than 10 billion.

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.

One of the most common uses of mica pigment powder is in the cosmetic industry. Mica is prized for its ability to create shimmering and shiny effects, making it an ideal ingredient for products like eyeshadows, highlighters, blushes, and lipsticks. The fine particle size of mica allows it to blend seamlessly with other ingredients, ensuring a smooth application on the skin. Additionally, mica is non-toxic and safe for use, which is crucial for products applied to the face and body. Its natural origins and reflective properties enhance the overall aesthetic of cosmetics, providing a radiant glow that many consumers seek.

3. Construction In construction, MICA is employed as a filler in paints, plastics, and drywall, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal. As China's urbanization continues at a rapid pace, the demand for building materials containing MICA is anticipated to grow.

X represents large interlayer cations, such as K+, Na+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Rb+, Cs+, etc. Y represents octahedral cations, such as Al3+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Cr3+, Ti4+, Fe3+, etc. Z is mainly Si4+ and Al3+; The ideal ratio of the additional anion (OH)- to (O)2- is 2:10, and (OH)- can be replaced by F- and Cl-. Most mica contain 4% to 5% water. Therefore, although they may be called mica, the chemical composition of different mica may be very different, for the purpose of research, we collectively refer to the minerals with this type of characteristics as mica group minerals.  

The aesthetic properties of mica powder are perhaps its most celebrated attribute. When incorporated into makeup products, mica can impart a stunning sheen or shimmer, enhancing the visual appeal of various formulations. This shimmering effect is particularly sought after in products like eyeshadows, highlighters, and bronzers, where luminosity is key. Mica reflects light beautifully, giving the skin a radiant glow that many users desire. Compared to synthetic alternatives, natural mica provides a more subtle, sophisticated shine, leading to a more flattering appearance.