In 2022, Lingshou Huajing Mica Co., Ltd. launched cosmetic grade mica powder. The flake structure of mica powder can lock the water on the surface of the skin, forming a protective film to effectively prevent water loss. Its unique gloss and reflection effect add natural and charming luster to the skin, and mica powder also has a certain sunscreen effect. To a certain extent, it can reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays on the skin, protect the skin from the external environment, and prevent sunburn.
Mica is classified as a metamorphic rock-forming mineral due to its prevalent occurrence in schist and gneiss. These rocks are formed under high pressure and temperature conditions, typically deep within the Earth’s crust. The formation of mica can provide valuable insights into the conditions that prevail during the metamorphism of rocks. The shiny, thin layers of mica can be easily identified in hand samples due to their prominent cleavage, making them a crucial mineral for geologists in field studies.
A group of parallel cleavages can be seen in a photograph of biomica under orthogonal polarized (left) and single polarized (right) mirrors.
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.
Layer upon layer of mica
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.
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.
Form: Muscovite can be purchased in raw sheets, which retain the natural flaky structure, or as finely ground powders for use in cosmetics or industrial applications.
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.
Synthetic 120 mesh :large particle size, with pearl shining effect.
The rise of the natural beauty movement has fueled the popularity of mica eyeshadow. Consumers are increasingly aware of the ingredients in their cosmetics and are gravitating toward products that offer a blend of performance and safety. Mica, as a mineral ingredient, aligns perfectly with this demand for clean beauty options.
Layer upon layer of mica
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.
What is Mica Powder?
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.