MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND DANGER OF MICA CRYSTALS FOR THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT

Mica is a group of rocks and minerals with a layered structure created under the influence of volcanic processes. Due to the delamination of the stone, it was used instead of glass. Irkutsk region is an area with the richest reserves of various types of mica. Since the beginning of the 20th century, mica has been used for the needs of electronics as an electrical insulation material. Nowadays, mica is used in aircraft and radio industries. Vermiculite, one of the types of mica, is extremely useful as a concrete filler for obtaining sound and heat protective materials and insulation, as well as for heat insulation of furnaces. Mica is a popular component in the production of agricultural products, the paint and varnish industry, perfumes, and in the cosmetic industry. It is hoped that rare natural qualities of mica, new promising applications and current scientific research in this area can stir interest in this mineral. The lamellar shape of mica crystals is the key property of mica from waste rock. The shape of mica crystals is the basis for solving the problem of mechanical enrichment of mica in the rock mass.