Question

Mica is a non-metallic mineral.
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Hint: Generally, a mineral is a solid chemical compound with a fairly well-defined chemical composition and a specific structure of crystals, which occurs naturally in pure form. The concept of mineral is different from rock, any solid geological material in bulk that is relatively homogeneous on a sufficiently large scale. Nonmetallic minerals is a classified group of chemical elements from which, if they are melted, no new product can be generated.

Complete answer:
Micas are a group of minerals whose excellent physical feature is that it is easy to split individual mica crystals into extremely thin elastic plates. Mica was recognized by the ancient Indian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Chinese civilizations, as well as the New World, Aztec civilization. 37 phyllosilicate minerals are included in the mica group. In the monoclinic system, it is all crystallized, with a tendency toward pseudohexagonal crystals, and are similar in structure but differ in chemical composition. Micas can be given the general formula chemically, \[{{X}_{2}}{{Y}_{46}}{{Z}_{8}}{{O}_{20}}{{(OH,~F)}_{4}}\]. Mica is a shiny mineral that is non-metallic and is widely used in the electrical and electronic industries. Mica has many characteristics that make it useful and it comes in thin layers, and is an electricity and heat non-conductor.

So, option A is the correct option.

Note: The Hindu system of ancient medicine which is common in India is ayurveda. Ayurveda involves the purification and processing of mica in the preparation of Abhraka bhasma, claimed to be a treatment for respiratory and digestive tract diseases. The greatest advantage of mica is its ability to create a shimmery, natural finish, as it can be converted into a fine powder.