The facts
What mica actually is
Mineralogically, mica is mica group — muscovite, phlogopite — KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by iron and manganese; the pearl effect is interference in thin sheets. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.55–1.61, and the specific gravity sits near 2.7–3.0; cleavage is perfect basal — it peels.
Where mica comes from
The recognised sources are Jharkhand and Bihar, India, Madagascar, Brazil and China.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
Is mica treated?
None. **Indian mica has documented child-labour issues; ask for a traceable chain.**
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What mica is confused with
The usual confusions are Synthetic fluorphlogopite and Bismuth oxychloride.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.55–1.61 and specific gravity 2.7–3.0 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What mica is used for
Mica is bought by cosmetics, pigments, electronics and construction — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the tonne.
Durability and care
Mica is 2–3 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal — it peels cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What mica costs
Indicative pricing for mica is $400–3,000/tonne.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is mica treated?
None. **Indian mica has documented child-labour issues; ask for a traceable chain.**
Where does mica come from?
Jharkhand and Bihar, India, Madagascar, Brazil and China. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is mica hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2–3 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does mica cost?
Indicatively $400–3,000/tonne. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is mica confused with?
Most often Synthetic fluorphlogopite and Bismuth oxychloride. A refractive index of 1.55–1.61 and a specific gravity near 2.7–3.0 separate it quickly.
What is mica used for besides jewellery?
cosmetics, pigments, electronics and construction. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for mica?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about mica