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.

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.

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

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.

Color Selection: Mica pigments come in a wide variety of colors, from metallic silvers and golds to vibrant blues, greens, and reds. Depending on your project, you may want to explore a range of shades. Be sure to confirm with your supplier that they offer the exact hues and finishes you’re looking for.

Mica Powder for Cosmetics: Enhanced Light Reflection for a Radiant Look

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.

Mica is a fascinating and versatile mineral that has been utilized by various industries for centuries due to its unique properties. This silicate mineral is known for its ability to be split into thin sheets, making it an excellent material for diverse applications. Found predominantly in metamorphic rocks, mica comes in several varieties, including muscovite and phlogopite, each with specific traits making them suitable for different uses. Let’s explore some of the primary uses of mica and its significance in various sectors.

Mica Mining and Processing: Mica is extracted from mines and processed to remove impurities. The mica is then finely ground to achieve the desired particle size.

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that, when ground into a fine powder, can be used as a pigment. These pigments are prized for their unique ability to reflect light, which gives makeup products a luminous, iridescent quality. Mica pigment powder come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including pearlescent, metallic, and matte, making them highly versatile for use in cosmetics.