Mica

The mica group of sheet silicate (phyllosilicate) minerals includes several closely related materials having nearly perfect basal cleavage.

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

The mica group represents 37 phyllosilicate minerals that have a layered or platy texture. The commercially important micas are muscovite and phlogopite, which are used in a variety of applications. Mica’s value is based on several of its unique physical properties. The crystalline structure of mica forms layers that can be split or delaminated into thin sheets usually causing foliation in rocks. These sheets are chemically inert, dielectric, elastic, flexible, hydrophilic, insulating, lightweight, platy, reflective, refractive, resilient, and range in opacity from transparent to opaque. Mica is stable when exposed to electricity, light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. It has superior electrical properties as an insulator and as a dielectric, and can support an electrostatic field while dissipating minimal energy in the form of heat; it can be split very thin (0.025 to 0.125 millimeters or thinner) while maintaining its electrical properties, has a high dielectric breakdown, is thermally stable to 500 °C (932 °F), and is resistant to corona discharge. Muscovite, the principal mica used by the electrical industry, is used in capacitors that are ideal for high frequency and radio frequency. Phlogopite mica remains stable at higher temperatures (to 900 °C (1,650 °F)) and is used in applications in which a combination of high-heat stability and electrical properties is required. Muscovite and phlogopite are used in sheet and ground forms

Benefits

Although many minerals are used as pigments in cosmetics, Mica’s sheer, translucent and skin-hugging properties make it a popular ingredient in mineral powders. Mica powder reflects light from the face because of its glittering or shimmering properties, and can create the illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone (Source). It is also seen in a variety of other cosmetics (nail polishes, lip glosses) as an iridescent, reflective ingredient in formulas.

Cautions

Most of the health effects of mica are caused by exposure to the large amounts typically present at industrial work sites. However, mica is a common ingredient in mineral makeup, and products that use ultra-fine nanoparticles in their ingredients carry the risk of inhalation. To decrease this risk, make sure that powdered mineral cosmetics adhere fully to your applicator brush before applying to the face, and hold brushes away from your face when shaking off excess powder.

Interactions

Please talk to your doctor.

Other names

• Cat-gold, Cat-silver, Glimmer, Glist, Katen-silber, Katzen-silber, Katzengold, Or des chats, Rhomboidal Mica

References

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mica#Properties_and_uses

Truth in Aging, https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/mica

eHow, http://www.ehow.com/info_8551607_harmful-effects-powdered-mica.html