Not a bug/insect (Mica Flake/Mineral Shard)

Scientific Name: N/A (Inorganic Material)

Order & Family: N/A (Group: Silicate Minerals)

Size: Varies significantly; microscopic to several centimeters in sheets. The item pictured appears to be 1-3 mm.

Not a bug/insect (Mica Flake/Mineral Shard)

Natural Habitat

Found in granite, metamorphic rocks, and widely used in cosmetics, glitter, and construction materials.

Diet & Feeding

N/A (Inorganic)

Behavior Patterns

This is an inanimate object. It exhibits cleavage (splitting into thin sheets) and characteristic shimmering or pearlescent luster.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Inhalation of fine dust (silicosis) during industrial processing; generally harmless in this flake form. Benefits: Used extensively in electronics as insulators, and in glitter, makeup, and paint for shimmer.

Identified on: 3/9/2026