Mica Pigment

Mica is a natural white pigment made from finely ground muscovite mica, a sheet silicate mineral that splits into thin, flat, transparent flakes. It gives a soft, pale white with a gentle pearly sheen; the flakes catch the light rather than covering it, so it reads as a shimmer more than a solid white.

In use, Mica adds luster and a subtle reflective quality to watercolor, gouache, tempera, encaustic and oil. Mixed with other pigments it creates soft pearlescent and metallic effects, and the platelets lie flat in the film, which can improve flow and reduce cracking in thick layers. It has very low tinting strength, so it is best used as an additive or glaze rather than a covering white.

History

Ground mica has been used for decoration since antiquity. It was dusted onto paintings and lacquerware in India, China and Japan to give a glittering surface, and in Japanese woodblock printing it was brushed over backgrounds to make the shimmering grounds known as kira-zuri. It was also used in Indian miniature painting and in folk and religious art wherever a sparkle of light was wanted on a painted surface.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Inorganic) silicate mineral
Source: Natural muscovite mica, ground
Origin: U.S.A.
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Gouache, Tempera, Encaustic, Oil, Acrylic
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Transparent to translucent, pearlescent
Other Names: Muscovite, Mica Powder, Kira, Isinglass
Color Index Code: PW20

Health and Safety

For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
Safety Data Sheet available on request.

Caution: Natural earths and minerals contain crystalline silica (quartz). Breathing the dust over long periods can cause serious lung disease (silicosis) and lung cancer. Always use a dust respirator with the dry pigment.