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What Are the Different Types of Mica?

If we pass an early judgment, there are not many elements in nature that can substitute the mica. Mica is a group of 37 types of silicate minerals that are found in the earth’s crust in rock deposits. Out of the 37 types, two types of mica have established themselves as great insulation material: phlogopite and muscovite. In this post, we will discuss these two types of mica.

Different Types of Mica 

Phlogopite Mica

Phlogopite mica or amber mica is a type of mica that is popular due to its exceptional thermal insulation properties. The chemical formula of phlogopite mica is KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2. It is a hydrous potassium magnesium aluminum silicate. This type of mica is associated with basic igneous rocks. The color of phlogopite mica can vary from silver to dark brown.

Phlogopite mica is stable up to the temperatures of 900 degrees Celsius, whereas muscovite mica is stable up to 500 degrees Celsius. If we look at the other key properties of phlogopite mica, it can be transparent or translucent in appearance, and has good dielectric strength although less than muscovite mica and exhibits exceptional mechanical properties.

The main application of the phlogopite mica is for thermal insulation applications in various industries. The most common industries where phlogopite mica sheets are used are aerospace, steel and foundry, and transportation.

Muscovite Mica

Muscovite mica is a type of mica that is popular for its electrical insulation properties. The chemical formula of muscovite mica is KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2. It is often said that this form of mica has greater dielectric strength than any other insulating material. Muscovite mica is usually transparent or translucent, but it always has lustrous cleavage faces. That’s why it is used in the cosmetics industry and manufacturing lampshades. The color of industrial-grade muscovite mica can be in the clear, ruby, pink, red/brown, and from pale green to olive/dark green.

The dielectric strength of the muscovite mica can vary in the range of 20 kV/mm to 25 kV/mm. If we look at the other key properties of muscovite mica, it is opaque, has good chemical resistance (almost insensitive to atmospheric weathering and outside chemical influence), and has exceptional mechanical properties.

It is used in the electrical and electronics industry to manufacture capacitors, circuit parts, and other insulation purposes. Mica cable tape made of muscovite mica is commonly used in the electrical industry.

Where to Buy Sheet Mica for Industrial Insulation Applications?

Sheet mica to be used for industrial insulation applications need to meet certain criteria, and that’s where ISO-certified mica manufacturers and suppliers like us come into play. We at Axim Mica have the largest inventory of mica-based insulation products in North America. We are the ISO: 9001 2015 certified manufacturer and supplier of mica-based insulation materials to over 50 industries like aerospace, energy, automotive, and more.

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