Thread by @AsFarce, Muscovite's name derives from its use in "Muscovy glass" in 17th century [...]

Muscovite's name derives from its use in "Muscovy glass" in 17th century Russia. It easily breaks into very thin, translucent sheets that were cheaper than glass. This property means it has a wide range of industrial applications today. Vote muscovite!
https://geology.com/minerals/muscovite.shtml https://twitter.com/MineralCup/status/1302869641849532418

The earliest known use of mica by humans (almost certainly including muscovite although the archeologists didn't specify) was to add sparkle to paint, as seen in the 65,000 year old Madjedbebe rock shelter, near Kakadu (Australia) #MinCup2020 https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-07-20/indigenous-discovery-how-do-we-know-how-old-it-is/8719334

How do we know how old the Indigenous Madjedbebe rock shelter is?

Archaeological excavations at a site near Kakadu National Park have pushed back the date of human arrival in Australia by up to 18,000 years. So how did scientists come up with that date?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-07-20/indigenous-discovery-how-do-we-know-how-old-it-is/8719334

I had read that mica was also present in ochre from the Wilgie Mia mine, Western Australia, which has been in continuous operation for at least TWENTY THOUSAND YEARS, but apparently its characteristic sheen is actually from particles of hematite
https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/144174

the Wilgie Mia mine is fascinating though! read more about it here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-31/wilgie-mia-feature/3611218

The world's oldest Aboriginal ochre mine is under dispute

It's believed to be home to the world's oldest Aboriginal ochre mine but it's situated in the middle of a vast and valuable mining province.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-31/wilgie-mia-feature/3611218

here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-08/new-technologically-used-to-learn-about-aboriginal-culture/5582222

Digital models helping protect Aboriginal culture

Digital models are being made of significant Aboriginal sites in WA's Murchison region in an effort to keep traditional Wajarri culture alive.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-08/new-technologically-used-to-learn-about-aboriginal-culture/5582222

and here https://ymac.org.au/tag/wilgie-mia/

Wilgie Mia – YMAC

https://ymac.org.au/tag/wilgie-mia/

hematite (the main component of ochre) is not appearing in the mineral cup this year but i have a LOT to say about quartz

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