Mica is a complex of potassium sodium magnesium iron aluminum hydroxyl silicates. Most people are familiar with Formica, used in some kitchen counters. In fact, there are many different types of mica, some very difficult to tell apart, but almost all are valuable commercial minerals. They are used for electrical and heat insulation, in the manufacture of paints, porcelain, and paper, as dry lubricants, and fillers. In Russia, transparent sheets of muscovite mica, referred to as Muscovy glass or isinglass, were used as insulating windows in stoves, vehicles, and houses. Muscovite occurs in shades of gray, white, yellow, brown, green, red, and violet. Other forms of mica include sericite (fine-grained), pinite (fine-grained), fuchsite or mariposite (greenish due to chromium content), alurgite (red due to manganese content), roscoelite (contains vanadium), paragonite and illite (are both potassium poor), glauconite (contains blue-green crystals), margarite (brittle-mica), phlogopite, and biotite (red to brown to green with a metallic luster). Lepidolite is also a mica.
The main feature of mica is its formation into "books." These are layers laminae (sheets) which can be very thin, but which are easily pulled apart. These formations are perhaps why mica is associated with learning in magickal circles. Holding a piece of mica in the moonlight and allowing the light to filter down onto you is said to increase your psychic abilities and the gift of divination. A lens fashioned from biotite is considered especially good for understand this life and past lives. Mica enhances clear vision, allowing you to observe the flaws of humanity without becoming disheartened by it. It is also useful when in need of protection and diminishes anger, tantrums, and nervous energy. Mica can assist in relieving pressures that may lead to earthquakes as well as relieve emotional pressures that may lead to energy blockages and stagnation.
When fasting, mica may be used to reduce hunger, as well as assuage dehydration. It may be used to alleviate insomnia and conversely lessen the need for sleep in the case of sufferers of Mono. The hair, skin, and nails all benefit from mica.
Forms of Mica
Alurgite is a copper-red type of mica, forming loosely compacted plates. Alurgite assists in seeing the more superficial qualities of the personality, even those which you may not wish to acknowledge, and correcting them. It is useful in discovering how others perceive you for self-improvement, and impulsiveness and impatience are expelled in favor of better self-expression.
Biotite has a metallic luster and ranges in color from red-brown to brown and green. It allows for a rational look at your surroundings and issues affecting it.
Margarite lends the user strength when some unpleasant situation must be endured. It brings with it a pleasant disposition and the ability to laugh. Bashful or reclusive personality traits are overcome as it stimulates conversation skills.