The crystals of Mica extracted from the mines are in the form of rough lumps of irregular shape, size, and thickness. They are associated with impurities and structural imperfections, and have to undergo a lengthy operation involving cleaning, cutting, and processing for sorting from crude to commercial quality. This involves intensive technique and skilled labour.
Types:
Knife or scissor dressed sheet Mica with irregular shape and a minimum thickness of 0.18 mm (0.0070 inch or 7 mils). Mica Blocks are classified into thirteen size groups (ranging from OOEE Special down to No. 7) and obtained in sizes as large as 30-35 cm sq. (12-14 inch sq.); beyond which is practically rare and too expensive. They are available in sheets with both calibrated and random (natural) thickness as per demand. After undergoing size and quality grading, Mica Blocks are exported. Click here to see size and quality specifications.
Knife or scissor dressed sheet Mica of superior quality with a general thickness of less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 inch or 2 mils). Mica Films are used in the manufacture of Silvered Mica Plates for Mica Capacitors.
Mica recovered by means of hammer-crushing, processing, and screening of crude Mica with an average area of 12-50 mm sq. (1/2-2 inch sq.). Mica Scrap is substantially free of mineral and non-mineral impurities, as well as other foreign inclusions. It is exported to plants all around the world and finds paramount use as a primary raw material in the manufacture of Mica Paper or re-constituted Mica. Domestically, Mica Scrap is used as a basic material to manufacture Ground Mica Flakes and Mica Powder.
Laminae split from Mica Blocks and Mica Thins in which the combined thickness of ten sheets taken together does not exceed 0.30 mm (0.0120 inch or 12 mils). Mica Splittings are chiefly used in the manufacture of Micanite or built-up Mica products for ultimate application as an insulating material. It is available in Book Form and Loose Form types.
Knife or scissor dressed sheet Mica with irregular shape and a specified thickness range between 0.05 and 0.18 mm (0.0020 and 0.0070 inch or 2 and 7 mils). Mica Thins are used in the manufacture of various kinds of Fabricated Mica.
