October 2024 – Phlogopite

This month, phlogopite was chosen as the mineral of the month. Phlogopite is a mineral belonging to the mica group and is one of the most common minerals in the earth’s crust. Phlogopite usually forms tabular to prismatic crystals. However, platy, scaly or massive mineral aggregates also occur. Phlogopite is most frequently found in magmatic rock. Phlogopite is used in plastics, as a substitute for asbestos, in pigments and for the production of insulating materials in electrical engineering. The name phlogopite is derived from the Greek word Φλογωπός phlogopos. This means ‘fiery-looking’. The name refers to the often translucent, reddish shimmering crystals.

KMg₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

Locality: Ontario, Canada