Star Mica Metamorphic Rock with Quartz | 44.7g | Muscovite | Brazil | SO24

Name: Star Mica - Muscovite with Quartz  
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized   
Dimensions:  46x40x21 mm / 1.8x1.6x0.8 inches  
Weight:  44.7 Grams / 1.6 ounces  
Origin: Mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil  

This is a specimen of Star Mica or Muscovite and Quartz cluster.  On this specimen, there is a large terminated clear quartz point nestled into the gold mica stars.

These clusters show crystals that grow in sheets or book formations.  It is silvery gold with good transparency when held up to the light.  The name Muscovite comes from the term Muscovy Glass which was a name for the thick sheets of Mica used as a substitute for glass Russia. The name Mica is derived from the Greek word that means to split.

On this nice specimen, the matrix faces are covered with beautiful golden yellow point stars of muscovite mica, a typical shape for this rare mica formation. The stars are the result of twinning; the points show a bit of wear but this does not detract from the beauty of such a piece.