Phlogopite Mica vs. Muscovite Mica: Know The Difference

Posted by Axim Mica on February 22nd, 2021

Mica is a group of minerals that occur naturally in the earth’s crust. This mineral has 37 varieties, but two varieties most commonly used for industrial applications are phlogopite and muscovite. The majority of the mica products, such as mica sheets, mica rolls, and mica gaskets, are manufactured using these two mica forms.

 th of the forms have distinctive characteristics and unique properties and are used for varying applications. Today, we will understand the basic difference between phlogopite mica vs. muscovite mica.

Phlogopite Mica vs. Muscovite Mica  

Phlogopite mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium and magnesium, whereas muscovite mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium and aluminum. Both forms of mica act very differently when put under the same conditions.

Phlogopite Mica is also known as amber mica and available in a variety of colors, from light silver to dark brown. In contrast, muscovite mica is commonly categorized into two color groups: ruby that varies from clear to pink to red/brown, and green that varies from pale green to olive to dark green.

Here are the key differences between phlogopite mica and muscovite mica and their applications:

Phlogopite mica is softer than muscovite mica, but it has exceptional insulation properties and flexibility. Phlogopite mica can easily withstand the high temperature of 900 degrees celsius. That’s why you often find the phlogopite mica grade sheets to be used in transportation industries. Phlogopite mica sheets are used for heat resistant protection for aircraft bodies.

On the other hand, muscovite mica can withstand the high temperature up to 500 degrees celsius. That’s why it is used for the thermal insulation of automotive parts and electrical components that need flame retardant barriers.  

Phlogopite mica has poor electrical resistance and chemical resistance. That’s the reason the majority of the mica products in the electrical industry are made of muscovite mica. Muscovite mica is harder and rigid than phlogopite mica, but it can be easily converted into very thin sheets. Also, due to its exceptional dielectric properties, it is used to manufacture products used for low voltage insulation. It is used in capacitors, electric circuits, and various other components. 

Muscovite mica has exceptional chemical resistant properties. It does not react easily with other elements. Being chemically inert combined with the ability to convert into extremely thin sheets, mica sheets form ideal protection for everyday electrical consumer items such as hairdryers, toasters, irons, cookers, and room heaters. Whereas when it comes to intense and specialized industrial applications such as in the foundry and steel industry, phlogopite mica sheets have the edge over the muscovite mica sheets.  

So this is how phlogopite mica differs from muscovite mica.