[Rockhounds] Mica Progress Report - Pictures

[Axel Emmermann]

Me thinks that the heat loosens the crystal sheets. Very thin sheets are
transparent to translucent so the refraction of light in loosely stacked
sheets is probably quite different from tightly packed sheets. 

My two Eurocents ;-)))

BTW: I am thoroughly impressed by your creativity... Absolutely very artsy.
I would appreciate it if you kept me (us) informed about any new processes
or techniques.

Cheers.

Axel

> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: rockhounds-bounces at lists.drizzle.com 
> [mailto:rockhounds-bounces at lists.drizzle.com] Namens Gary Brown
> Verzonden: zaterdag 20 oktober 2007 16:30
> Aan: 'Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem 
> collectors'
> Onderwerp: RE: [Rockhounds] Mica Progress Report - Pictures
> 
> Question on the mica...  I've found that I've really got to 
> heat the mica up to around 1400F (and then cool it, duh!) 
> before I use it in my work.  When "raw" the mica is very 
> stiff.  After the heat there's a color change from silvery to 
> golden, and the sheets are very, very flexible...almost like 
> cloth.  I'm guessing there's some sort of molecular bonding 
> change going on.
> Anyone know?
> 
> GcB
> 
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