Editing Muscovite (section)

== Distinguishing characteristics ==
Micas are distinguished from other minerals by their pseudohexagonal crystal shape and their perfect cleavage, which allows the crystals to be pulled apart into very thin elastic sheets. [[Pyrophyllite]], and [[talc]] are softer than micas and have a greasy feel, while [[chlorite group|chlorite]] is green in color and its cleavage sheets are inelastic. The other common mica mineral, [[biotite]], is almost always much darker in color than muscovite. [[Paragonite]] can be difficult to distinguish from muscovite but is much less common, though it is likely mistaken for muscovite often enough that it may be more common that is generally appreciated.<ref name=Nesse2000/>  Muscovite mica from Brazil is red due to manganese(3+).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minerals Colored by Metal Ions |url=http://minerals.gps.caltech.edu/color_causes/Metal_Ion/index.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=minerals.gps.caltech.edu}}</ref>