Mica is a generic term applied to a group of complex rock-forming aluminosilicate minerals. It has a plate-like or sheet-like structure with varying physical properties and chemical compositions. Crystals of Mica have perfect basal cleavage in the direction of large surfaces, permitting it to delaminate or split into extremely flat and thin films. Mica possesses an outstanding blend of properties (rarely found in any other item). It commands a unique position in the following ways:

Physically: Mica is colourless in thin sheets, easily splittable into thin films along its cleavage, flexible, incompressible, optically flat, reflective, refractive, resilient, and transparent.

Chemically: Mica is completely inert and tolerant to the action of acids (except concentrated sulphuric acid and hydrofluoric acid), alkalis, bases, conventional solvents, chemical influences, mineral oils, and water. It is virtually unaffected by atmospheric action and weathering.

Electrically: Mica has a distinctive combination of great dielectric strength, uniform dielectric constant and capacitance stability, high electric resistivity, low power loss (high Q factor), low temperature coefficient, and superior insulating properties. It is noted for its resistance to arc and corona discharge without permanent injury.

Thermally: Mica is fire-proof, incombustible, infusible, and non-flammable. It has low heat conductivity, remarkable thermal endurance, and can be exposed to high temperatures without noticeable effects.

Mechanically: Mica is relatively soft and can be die-punched, hand-cut, or machined. It is elastic, flexible, and tough with high tensile strength. Mica can easily sustain mechanical pressure and stress.