Muscovite

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Muscovite specimens are prized by collectors. Muscovite Mica is commonly used as a component in cosmetics, like eyeshadow, to produce shimmer.

Muscovite Rough
Muscovite Classification
Common Name Muscovite
Species Mica

Muscovite Colors

  • Yellow Muscovite Yellow
  • Brown Muscovite Brown
  • Red Muscovite Red
  • Green Muscovite Green
  • Gray Muscovite Gray
  • White Muscovite White
  • Colorless Muscovite Colorless

Alternate Names

Isinglass, Fuchsite, Mica

Countries of Origin

Canada; United States of America (the); Brazil

History

Because Muscovite has perfect cleavage sheets of the mineral was used in windows instead of glass. This material was given the name Muscovy glass because the source material was found in Russia's old Grad Principality of Muscovy.

Care

Muscovite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling.

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Species/Variety

Fuchsite

Chromium works its mineral-magic to make fuchsite appealingly green. The presence of chromium in gemstones (think ruby and emerald) is most often indicative of exciting color. Fuchsite is an excellent example of the effects of chromium. This sparkling green mica is a variety of muscovite. Micas are often added to makeup - they are the additive most responsible for the "youthful glow" that is so pleasing in foundations and eye shadows.

Fuchsite Muscovite
Fuchsite Classification
Common Name Fuchsite
Fuchsite Optical Properties
Birefringence 0.036
Fuchsite Characteristic Physical properties
Specific Gravity 2.78
Stability Poor

Phlogopite

Phlogopite is the reddish brown, gray, green, yellow variety of muscovite mica. It is sometimes called magnesium mica.

Phlogopite Muscovite
Phlogopite Classification
Common Name Phlogopite
Phlogopite Characteristic Physical properties
Toughness Poor
Stability Poor

Verdite

Verdite is an opaque stone made up mostly of fuchsite that is used for ornamental objects. It is known to come from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Verdite Muscovite
Verdite Classification
Common Name Verdite
Verdite Optical Properties
Refractive Index Typical 1.580
Verdite Characteristic Physical properties
Specific Gravity 2.80
Toughness Poor
Inclusions It has a mottled structure and might display red or spots
Stability Poor

Lepidolite

Lepidolite is a beautiful lithium-rich member of the mica mineral family. Violet to pink in color, lepidolite has a scaly appearance seen in many specimens. This gemstone is not commonly known to be faceted and is primarily used in ornamental and decorative pieces.

Lepidolite Muscovite
Lepidolite Classification
Common Name Lepidolite
Lepidolite Characteristic Physical properties
Specific Gravity 2.800
Toughness Poor
Inclusions Many lepidolite specimens have a scaly appearance
Stability Poor
Tim Matthews

Author

Tim Matthews

Tim Matthews is President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewelry Television® (JTV), as well as a member of the company's Board of Directors. He oversees and leads all aspects of the company's powerful omni-digital retail platform that uniquely specializes in fine jewelry and gemstones. His passion for business and gemstones has led him to become a recognized expert in the field of gemology. He is a life member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and has earned Gem-A's highest degrees, the Gemmology (FGA) and Diamond (DGA) diplomas. He is also a Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has also completed GIA's Graduate Diplomas in Diamonds, Colored Stones and Pearls. Under his leadership, JTV has become the leader in the sourcing and selling of color gemstones and jewelry.

This page was created on June 27, 2014.

This page was last edited on October 24, 2019.