Synonym: Mica group.
Clades:
Phyllosilicates.
Members: 37.
Crystal: monoclinic; in pseudohexagonal crystals; TOT-c, = composed of parallel TOT layers weakly bonded to each other by cations.
Color: translucent to opaque; some from white to green or red to black.
Lustre: vitreous or pearly; flaky or platy appearance.
Habitat: common in igneous and metamorphic rock, occasionally as small flakes in sedimentary rock; prominent ingranites, pegmatites, and schists.
Use: as drywalls, paints, fillers, parts for automobiles, roofing shingles, in electronics; in cosmetics to add shimmer or frost.
MineralogyMicas can easily be split into extremely thin elastic plates. This characteristic is described as perfect basal cleavage.