As an unrepentant logophile (lover of words), I’ve assembled a list of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way,” and that’s my plan for approaching this a-to-z challenge—keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.
M is for…
micacious – (adj) sparkling, glistening, glimmery; containing or resembling mica. First usage 1752.
I’ve long had a love affair with mica and all its glittering magic. I’d admit to being a magpie attracted to sparkly things, but in truth, studies have shown magpies are actually somewhat frightened by shiny things. So I’m not a magpie, but maybe just a sparkle-seeker.
Mica is not just one mineral but rather a group of 37 silicate minerals varying from translucent to opaque, with luster, and they form in distinctive layers. Individual mica crystals can be easily split, forming flakes, or are often large enough to form sheets. In fact, you can frequently see specimens of mica called “books” because the layers can be peeled off into “pages.” With perfect cleavage, elasticity, infusibility, and low conductivity for heat and electricity, sheet micas are often used as electrical condensers, insulation sheets, and within heating elements.
Muscovite is the most common variety of mica, and its name comes Muscovy-glass, which was the term used in the 1500s Elizabethan era based on its use in medieval Russia (Muscovy) as a cheaper alternative to glass windows. Later, here in the U.S., such glass became known as isinglass.
Practical uses aside, as I’ve said, I’m all in it for the sparkle. I remember the first time I saw mica flakes embedded in the sidewalk as a child. It happened to be near our local library, and you can bet I made sure to walk very s-l-o-w-l-y across it every time I passed, soaking in as much glittery goodness as I could. Sparkles, then books, then more sparkles on the way home – what could be better?
A number of years ago, I used a magical body oil scented with rose and jasmine oils that shimmered with tiny bits of mica. While it was luscious and, as you can see from the photo, quite lovely, I’m not really a fan of mica in products used on the body. There are concerns about ethical sourcing as well as concerns there might be contamination with heavy metals. But it is magical to look at, and because mica doesn’t stay suspended in oil but rather settles to the bottom, you need to shake the bottle. And that leaves you with a swirling display of sparkly magic – quite mesmerizing.
I’m currently fascinated with mica-infused watercolor paints and love the glimmery goodness.
I’ve often used mica flakes and sheets in my art, and I always have a stone or two that contains mica out somewhere where I can pick it and allow myself to be mesmerized a bit. At the start of every Spring, I put out a favorite piece of rubellite-included lavender-colored lepidolite whose mica sparkles seem like the perfect harbingers of the magic that Spring unfolds. This is another larger sparkly piece of lepidolite I have sitting near a window where light can catch it and send a little sparkle in my direction.
Four thousand years ago, ancient Hindus believed mica crystals were preserved flashes of lightning. How perfect is that?
In Chinese medicine, mica is known as a sacred mirror, and I love contemplating this. Self-reflectivity and the ability to see ourselves as multi-faceted are important to me, and mica is a great ally in this.
But underneath it all, I hold the belief that all things that sparkle, all those glimpses of light that catch our eye, are invitations. To remember that we can all hold and transmit light, that we can always alter our position so that we receive those flashes of light from others, and that there truly is beauty all around us, we simply need to pay attention.
One final thing: If you find stones as fascinating as I do, you might want to check out Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones. It’s not a metaphysical discussion but a collection of stories about 60 different stones of historical importance. It’s a delight.
What about you? What’s glittering for you these days? What are you reflecting on? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I love your associations between sparkles and books. Magic!
How does it get better than that?! 🙂
Hari Om
I remember my dad explaining mica to me more than half a century ago… he was hobby lapidarist and polished many beautiful stones, though not granite, in which is often found the sparkler. Those he just liked to keep on the windowsill to catch the light… Thanks for reviving that memory! YAM xx
Sounds perfect to me!
Oooh, shiny. That’s fun. I think I would be worried about using it on my body, too, but it is fun to look at.
Sparkly like the most fabulous pink snow globe!
I didn’t know that the sparkles in the sidewalk were mica. I love when they catch the light. The sun is glittering for me these days–very bright and warm.
Excellent, Margaret – enjoy!
I. Like this. Always fun to think about stones 😀
It is, isn’t it?
Mica is a most pleasing mineral. I didn’t know of its uses in relation to electricity and heating, though. Thank you for a fascinating and informative blog post.
I live in Florida, on the edge of a state forest. What glitters here is the fecund plant life, in the forest and on our lot. From my window here, I see what looks like an impenetrable wall of leaves and pine needles. Spring certainly has sprung here.
What I’m reflecting on comprises what we don’t like to contemplate, with a terminally-ill daughter. However, her bravery in dealing with her illness glistens like mica, and is inspirational. There is beauty in the forest and in our daughter’s courage. Thank you for calling that up for me.
Oh, Karen – what a tender time. I wish for ease and grace for all of you, and beauty to lighten your hearts.
I love your moral today! I remember collecting flakes of mica in the wild as a child. It would be cool to have a sheet as big as a window pane.
A window-size sheet would be awesome. But perhaps the tiny flakes included in the stones are fairy windows, and that’s pretty awesome, too.
Another educational and fascinating post, Deborah. That book looks very intriguing.
Thanks, Lisa. The book is interesting, and “lapidarium” is one of those words I love, so extra points there.
I love how your reflections always weave the practical and the poetic. That image of you slowing down near the library to savor the sparkle really stuck with me — it’s such a lovely snapshot. This spring, it’s the cherry and magnolia blossoms that feel micaceous to me — delicate, glimmery, and full of wonder. Thank you for the reminder to pause and notice the light around (and within) us. ✨
What kind words, Tamara – thank you. I love when trees begin to flower in Spring. We’re on the verge here where I live, so I can’t wait for the show to start.
I, too, love Mica. I have family from an Indigenous Pueblo up north (New Mexico) who uses a gorgeous mica clay for their pottery (as do many Pueblos here). I have a few small pieces made by my Aunt that simply take my breath away. Thank you for reminding me of them and of her.
Oh, Melissa, that sounds fabulous – what treasures!
I love shiny things too, and your new phrase of “sparkle-seeker”!! It sounds like such a bright way to go through life.
I recognize a kinded sparkle-seeker, Allison. 🙂
Fascinating post, Deborah!
Thanks, Brenda.
Love the word! I think I’ll add it to conversations this weekend…
Ronel visiting for A-Z Challenge Mab: Queen of Nightmares & My Languishing TBR: M #AtoZChallenge2025 #Books #Bookreview
It’s a sparkling good one. 🙂