Muscovite (muskovit)

and a. [Formerly also Moscovite; G. Moskau, F. Moscou ), Moscow), + -ite2.] I. n. 1. A native or an inhabitant of Muscovy or the principality of Moscow, or, by extension, of Ru ia.-2. [ l. c.] In mineral., common or potash mica (see mica2 ), a silicate of aluminium and pota ium, with the latter element in part replaced by hydrogen; the light-colored mica, varying from nearly white to pale smoky brown, which is characteristic of granite, gnei , and other related crystalline rocks: formerly called Musco vy gla . In granitic veins it sometimes occurs in plates of great size, and is often mined, as for example in western North Carolina; in thin plates it is used in stoves, windows, etc. When ground up it is used as a lubricator, for giving a silvery sheen to wall-paper, etc. Phengite is a variety of muscovite containing more silica than the common kinds. The name hydromica or hydro muscovite is sometimes given to the varieties which yield considerable water on ignition. These usually have a pearly or silky luster and a talc-like feel, and are le elastic than the le hydrous kinds: damourite, margarodite, and sericite are here included. Fuchsite is a green-colored variety of muscovite containing chromium. In 1887 the production of mica (muscovite) in the United States was about 70,000 pounds, valued at nearly $150,000; 2,000 tons of mica waste, valued at $15,000, were ground for use. ( Min. Resources of the U. S., 1887.) 3. [l. c.] The desman or Muscovitic rat. II. a . Of or pertaining to Muscovy, or Moscow, a former principality in central Ru ia, and the nucleus of the Ru ian empire; by extension, of or pertaining to Ru ia. I have used the word Muscovite in the sense of "Pertaine ing to the Tsardom of Muscovy," and Moscovite in the sense of "pertaining to the town of Moscow." D. M. Wallace, Ru ia, p. 420.