muscovite (redirected from Muscovites)

muscovite: see mica.

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muscovite

 or common mica or potash mica or isinglass

Abundant silicate mineral that contains potassium and aluminum and has a layered atomic structure. It is the most common member of the mica group. Because it occurs in thin, transparent sheets, it was used in Russia for window panes and became known as Muscovy glass (isinglass), hence its name. Muscovite is usually colourless but may be light gray, brown, pale green, or rose red. Its low iron content makes it a good electrical and thermal insulator.

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Muscovite

1. a native or inhabitant of Moscow

2. an archaic word for Russian

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muscovite [′məs·kə‚vīt]

(mineralogy)

KAl₂(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂One of the mica group of minerals, occurring in some granites and abundant in pegmatites; it is colorless, whitish, or pale brown, and the crystals are tabular sheets with prominent base and hexagonal or rhomboid outline; hardness is 2-2.5 on Mohs scale, and specific gravity is 2.7-3.1. Also known as common mica; mirror stone; moscovite; Muscovy glass; potash mica; white mica.