ScienceJuly 14, 2026
mica
/ˈmaɪ.kə/
Definition
A group of shiny, inorganic silicate minerals that can be split into extremely thin, flat, and clean sheets.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Latin 'mica', meaning 'crumb' or 'grain of sand'. It entered English in the 18th century to describe the mineral's tendency to break apart into tiny, glittering flakes.
In the news
In this article, scientists use mica as a clean alternative to synthetic polymers to stack thin atomic layers, avoiding the microscopic residues that typically disrupt the performance of advanced electronics.
Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!