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Muscovite
Muscovite is phyllosilicate (mica), KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂. In the hand, it rates 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs silvery white and pale gold. Silvery transparent mica peeling into thin flexible sheets that spring back when bent, nature's original window glass.
The geology.
Muscovite carries the formula KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂. It belongs to the monoclinic system. Catalogues list it as phyllosilicate (mica).
It sits at 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads pearly to vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent in sheets. Specific gravity runs 2.76 to 2.88. The streak is white. It breaks with perfect basal cleavage, peels into elastic sheets.
Silvery transparent mica peeling into thin flexible sheets that spring back when bent, nature's original window glass.
It reaches buyers as mica 'books', star formations, rosettes or sheets in pegmatite.
The origins.
Granites and pegmatites worldwide; sheet mica classically from India, Brazil, Russia (hence 'Muscovy glass').
On value, the database notes: common and very affordable; star mica clusters are charming collector pieces.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with reflection and easing transitions.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Silvery transparent mica peeling into thin flexible sheets that spring back when bent, nature's original window glass.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Selenite | Selenite cleaves into rigid blades that snap; muscovite sheets flex and rebound |
| Biotite | Biotite is the black-brown twin |
| Fuchsite | Fuchsite is the chrome-green variety of muscovite itself |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on muscovite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Peel test | elastic transparent sheets |
| Scratch check | Fingernail scratches it |
| By eye | Pearly flash from cleavage faces |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with perfect basal cleavage, peels into elastic sheets, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Specific gravity: 2.76 to 2.88. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect basal cleavage, peels into elastic sheets.
How it reaches the market
Granites and pegmatites worldwide; sheet mica classically from India, Brazil, Russia (hence 'Muscovy glass').
What it gets confused with
Selenite: Selenite cleaves into rigid blades that snap; muscovite sheets flex and rebound. Biotite: Biotite is the black-brown twin. Fuchsite: Fuchsite is the chrome-green variety of muscovite itself.
What it is worth
Common and very affordable; star mica clusters are charming collector pieces.
One more thing
17th-century Russian windows were muscovite sheets, 'Muscovy glass', which is how the mineral got its name.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Muscovite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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