Muscovite vs. Mica — What's the Difference?

Muscovite (also known as common mica, isinglass, or potash mica) is a hydrated phyllosilicate mineral of aluminium and potassium with formula KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2, or (KF)2(Al2O3)3(SiO2)6(H2O). It has a highly perfect basal cleavage yielding remarkably thin laminae (sheets) which are often highly elastic.

Micas ( MY-kəz) are a group of minerals whose outstanding physical characteristic is that individual mica crystals can easily be split into extremely thin elastic plates. This characteristic is described as perfect basal cleavage.

A native or resident of Moscow or Muscovy.

A shiny silicate mineral with a layered structure, found as minute scales in granite and other rocks, or as crystals. It is used as a thermal or electrical insulator.

A potassium aluminum silicate mineral, KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2, the most common form of mica, which ranges from colorless or pale yellow to gray and brown, has a pearly luster, and is used as an insulator. Also called white mica.

Any of a group of chemically and physically related aluminum silicate minerals, common in igneous and metamorphic rocks, characteristically splitting into flexible sheets used in insulation and electrical equipment.

Of or relating to Moscow, Muscovy, or the Muscovites.

(mineral) Any of a group of hydrous aluminosilicate minerals characterized by highly perfect cleavage, so that they readily separate into very thin leaves, more or less elastic.

(mineral) A pale brown mineral of the mica group, being a basic potassium aluminosilicate with the chemical formula KAl₂(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH,F)₂; used as an electrical insulator etc.

The name of a group of minerals characterized by highly perfect cleavage, so that they readily separate into very thin leaves, more or less elastic. They differ widely in composition, and vary in color from pale brown or yellow to green or black. The transparent forms are used in lanterns, the doors of stoves, etc., being popularly called isinglass. Formerly called also cat-silver, and glimmer.

A native or inhabitant of Muscovy or ancient Russia; hence, a Russian.

Any of various minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect cleavage into very thin leaves; used as dielectrics because of their resistance to electricity

An inhabitant of Moscow.

Common potash mica, essentially KAl3Si3O10(OH)2. It is used as an electrical insulator. See Mica.

A colorless or pale brown mica with potassium

A resident of Moscow

Of or relating to the residents of Moscow;