| Muscovite, Mica, Isinglass |
| SpiritRock Shop |
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| Item # MV126008 Leaf shaped, layered, Muscovite Sheet Mica (isinglass) |
| Leaf shaped, layered, Muscovite Sheet Mica (isinglass) Very unique shaped specimen of well defined Muscovite Mica Layers. Mica (or isinglass) was used in early automobiles as window stock before the use of silica glass became popular. It is still used today in Wood Stoves as a viewing port lens due to the fact that Mica is both translucent and refractory. That means you can see through it and it will not burn or melt. This piece is from an old collection we recently acquired and comes from along the California-Nevada mountain ranges. Weighs 61g and measures 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches (9.6 x 5.3 x 1 cm) |
| Muscovite is a silicate mineral that contains potassium and aluminum. It is also known as Mica or Isinglass. Muscovite may form in layers of sheets (called “Books”) which are clear with a pearly luster on cleavage faces or as a rock forming mineral found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, often having a flakey, sparkly look. Muscovite typically occurs in metamorphic rocks, particularly gneiss and schist, where it forms crystals and plates. It also occurs in igneous rocks such as granites and fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Large crystals of muscovite are often found in veins and in pegmatite. The name “Muscovite” comes from the term “Muscovy- glass”, a name formerly given to the mineral because it was actually used in Russia for windows. Muscovite reflects light strongly from broken fragments. This is caused by a natural cleavage resulting in thin sheets (“Basal Cleavage”). Sheets naturally form in alternating layers, resulting in Muscovites distinctive shape. When the sheet growth is unobstructed they form hexagonal sheets. A unique variety in Brazil forms yellow five pointed stars and is called "Star Muscovite". Muscovite is usually clear but may be silvery, coppery silver, light gray, brown, pale green, or rose-red in color depending on the thickness of the sample and presence of impurities. |
| Item # MV05119942 Silver Muscovite on Bright White Albite var. Clevelandite $79.00 |
| Item # MV05119334 Silver Muscovite Vein Specimen from Colorado $59.00 |
| Item # MV05119790 Book of Mica from Brazil $18.00 |
| Item # MV05119994 Books of Silver Muscovite on Bright White Albite var. Clevelandite $240.00 |
Beautiful silvery bronze sheen muscovite sheets adorn the brilliant white blades of Albite var Clevelandite. This one is a really excellent large display case specimen of a rare and stunning specimen from Minas Gerais, Brazil. This fine specimen weighs 2.34 lbs (1062g) and measures 4.1 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches (10.4 x 8.6 x 8.6cm) |
XL Majestic silvery bronze sheen muscovite books top off the well formed large brilliant white blades of Albite var Clevelandite. An absolutely top line extra large display case specimen of a rare and gorgeous specimen from Minas Gerais, Brazil. This ultra fine specimen weighs 4.89 lbs (2218g) and measures 7.1 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches (18 x 10.9 x 10cm) |
Large Mica/Muscovite specimen from a vein in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Very nice specimen of multi-layer, multi-sheet mica in different directions. A very good specimen to study or cleve sheets from. This specimen weighs 1 lb (487g) and measures 8.5 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches (21.4 x 7.5 x 3.7cm) |
Nice Specimen book of Mica from Brazil. It has many layers and has one deep crenulated step that rises (or falls) abou 1/4" (6mm). A small amount of Albite var Clevelandite matrix is on the specimen. (left side photo 1, right side photo 2) Specimen weighs 0.26 lb (118g) and measures 3.3 x 2.6 x 0.47 inches (8.5 x 2.6 x 1.2cm) |
| Notice to Our Customers We will be closed from May 18th through August 15th 2012 to relocate our business. Orders placed during this time will not be shipped until after August 15th. Purchases or Reservations will be honored in the date order they are received. 1st purchaser is served 1st. |