Processed Mica

Mica Block

A collection of five irregular, flat mica block specimens in various shades of brown and dark grey.

Block mica is a name used for natural mica that can be found in mines in the form of thick and jagged “books” or “crystals”. The main features of this type of mica include being possible to separate into thin flexible and transparent sheets due to its cleavage planes. The quality of this mica is extremely high because it is extracted as a mineral substance. Due to that, it possesses excellent dielectric properties, as well as a great resistance to high temperatures and any chemical moisture. Block mica is mainly used for creating various precision-made parts of high-tech equipment.

Mica Splitting

Pieces of mica splitting

Mica splittings are mica films made from high-grade natural mica, which may be either Muscovite or Phlogopite. These films are very thin and flexible and are extracted from either block micas or “thins,” which are thinner mica blocks. Mica splittings are distinguished by their extremely small thickness, measuring between 0.00025 and 0.001 inch. Due to the retention of dielectric strength and heat resistance in these splittings, they serve as the source materials for the construction of what is referred to as “built up” mica products, such as micanite. With the help of special adhesives, including epoxy or silicone, the layers are bonded together into sheets, tapes, or tubes, which insulate high-voltage motors and transformers.

Mica Scrap

A variety of sizes and natural mineral tones ranging from translucent silver to dark amber.

Mica scrap can be defined as the leftover or recycled mineral particles resulting from the mining process and processing of superior quality block mica. These include mineral particles that are not thick enough, stained, or have cracks that make them unsuitable for use as precision sheets. Even though it does not have enough strength for any direct manufacturing purposes, mica scrap plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process of ground mica. This material can be further processed through grinding operations to produce different types of fine particles and flakes that are useful in diverse industries.

Mica Thins

High Quality Mica Thins with irregular geometric shapes.

Mica thins represent a special type of natural mica which lies between block mica and splittings in regard to the thickness level. These are usually partially treated sheets derived from high-grade block mica which vary in thickness from 0.002 to 0.007 inches thick. Though they do not qualify as “blocks” due to their relatively thin form, they offer enough strength to be employed in applications directly without any bonding process, thus forming a built-up material. Mica thins are widely prized for their transparency and high thermal resistance qualities, hence are preferred as high-pressure gauge glass protectors, oxygen apparatus, and electronic dielectrics.

Mica Condenser Films

Precision cut amber mica condenser films with irregular geometric shapes and a natural metallic luster.

Mica condenser films represent the highest commercial quality of Muscovite mica and have been very carefully chosen for their unmatched purity and even thickness. The films have been separated from high-quality blocks, achieving an extraordinary accuracy in separating films with a thickness that can range from 0.0001 inches to 0.002 inches. They cannot contain any trace of mineral impurities, air bubbles, or fissures. With their highly dielectric constants and negligible power loss (power factor), the films are considered the essential component in silver mica capacitors. They enable the capacitors to function effectively and reliably at higher frequencies or temperatures, making them a vital part of advanced medical devices, satellite communications, and premium audio equipment.