What is it and where is it formed?  Mica is a group of minerals that include Biotite, Muscovite, and Lepidolite.  This group of minerals are found in metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rock. Mica isn’t identified by its color very often because when it splits into sheets, you can peel off layers that are colorless and transparent.  So, saying that micas are a certain color all the time doesn't work because micas of any color can become colorless when the layers are peeled thinly enough. 

What is it used for?  Micas are used as electronic equipment insulators because they can handle high heat.  Others, like vermiculite, are used as insulation.  Micas are used in paint, wallpaper, cement, and windows in iron stoves.  They can be used in fireproofing.

What are the Mica minerals like?  Biotite, Muscovite, and Lepidolite have similarities.  They all:

	Stand high heat, pressure, and erosion well.
	Break easily into sheets that can be separated.  This means they have perfect cleavage since they split into perfect sheets in only one direction.
	Have aluminum, oxygen, potassium, and silicon.
	Have pearly shines.