ScienceJuly 14, 2026
muscovite
ˈmʌskəˌvaɪt
Definition
A common, naturally occurring mineral in the mica group, characterized by its ability to split into thin, atomically flat, and clean sheets.
Etymology
The name is derived from 'Muscovy glass,' an old term for the mineral as it was historically used in Russia (Muscovy) as a substitute for glass in windows.
In the news
In this article, researchers use muscovite as a clean, inorganic substrate to stack atomic-scale materials, replacing messy polymers that typically contaminate delicate 2D structures.
Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!