
As leading advancements emerge in pigment technology, mica flakes have become a cornerstone in cosmetics, automotive coatings, and advanced composites. Synthetic mica powder and synthetic mica glitter are pushing industry boundaries, prized for their stability, purity, and ecological advantages. This comprehensive resource dives deep into mica flakes—from key technical parameters and real-world application cases, to process details and vendor comparisons, empowering manufacturers and R&D professionals to make confident, data-driven decisions for next-generation products.

1. Mica Flakes Industry Trends: Market Data & Applications
The synthetic mica market is valued at USD 530 million in 2023 and is projected to achieve a CAGR of 5.7% through 2028 (Source: GrandView Research). While natural mica is still used for low-spec fillers, synthetic mica powder and synthetic mica glitter now dominate premium applications, particularly in color cosmetics, automotive paints, and specialty plastics. High transparency, heavy-metal free profiles, and REACH compliance make them the first choice for leading global brands.

Parameter | Synthetic Mica Flakes | Natural Mica Flakes | Unit |
---|---|---|---|
Purity (SiO2 content) | 99.2% | 88.5–93.8% | % |
Color Consistency | Excellent (ΔE ≤ 0.5) | Uneven (ΔE ≤ 1.6) | (ΔE, CIE L*a*b*) |
Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Hg, Cd) | <1 ppm (REACH–compliant) | 10–30 ppm | ppm |
Sheet Thickness Uniformity | ±2 µm | ±8 µm | microns (µm) |
Synthetic Origin | Yes | No | - |
FDA/EC Approval | Approved | Rare | - |
Use In Sensitive Cosmetics | Yes | No | - |
Thermal Stability | 1050°C | 650°C | °C |
Transparency | High | Medium | - |
Key Applications | Cosmetics, Paints, Polymer Films | Basic Fillers, Asbestos Replacement | - |

2. Synthetic Mica Flakes: Processing Technology & Process Flow
Raw Material Mixing
(SiO2, K2O, MgO) → Furnace Fusion
(1700–1850°C) → Casting & Cooling
Glass Plate Formation → Crushing & Grading
By Particle Size → Chemical Purification
Remove Residue Elements → Finishing/Surface Treatment
Customization (Pearl, Color) → Screening & QC
(ISO 9001:2015)
Please see below for typical equipment photos & process explanation.
▶️ Short Video: Synthetic Mica Manufacturing Line

3. Technical Features & Material Properties
- Material: Fluorophlogopite Synthetically Produced Mica (K(Al2AlSi3O10F2)), 99.2% SiO2 matrix.
- Particle Sizes: 5µm to 2,500µm, tailored for cosmetic, paint, and plastics dispersion.
- Sheet Uniformity: Precision-controlled via CNC blade machining, standard deviation ≤ ±2µm.
- Thermal Endurance: Stable up to 1050°C, resistant to pigment migration or breakdown.
- Corrosion Resistance: Non-hygroscopic, acid/base resistant, salt spray 200h+ (ISO 9227).
- Certification: ISO 9001:2015, FDA cosmetic ingredient registration, EN71, REACH (EC 1907/2006) compliant.
- Color: Naturally transparent, available with pearl, metallic, or colored oxide layers.
- Surface: Ultra-smooth, up to 280,000 mesh finish for premium glitter effects.
- Durability: L50 service life exceeds 15 years (accelerated weathering ASTM G154).

4. Product Specifications: mica flakes for Cosmetics & Paints
Product Type | Particle Size (µm) | Color Range | Surface Finishing | Heavy Metal Content | pH Value | Water Solubility | Application |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Synthetic Mica Powder | 5–40 | Pearlescent White, Pastel, Silver | Natural / Pearlized | <1 ppm | 6.5–8.5 | <0.08% | Cosmetic Fillers |
Synthetic Mica Flakes | 30–2600 | Jet Silver, Gold, Multicolor | Ultra-smooth / Glitter | <1 ppm | 6.5–8.2 | <0.08% | Paint, Resin, Decorative |
Synthetic Mica Glitter | 60–600 | Red, Blue, Green, Rainbow | Color Coated | <1 ppm | 7.0–8.5 | <0.06% | Makeups, Nail Art, Plastics |

5. Competitive Benchmark: Supplier Comparison Table
Supplier | Origin | ISO Certified | FDA/REACH | Custom Color | MOQ (kg) | Main Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glory Star | China | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | Cosmetics, Paints, Plastics, Personal Care |
Timica | Germany | Yes | Yes | No | 25 | Paints, Ceramics, Pigments |
Kobo Products | USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20 | Cosmetics, Sunscreens |
Merck KGaA | Germany | Yes | Yes | Limited | 100 | Cosmetics, Paints, Security Ink |

6. Customization Services & Turnkey Solutions
- Custom particle sizing (5μm–2,600μm), color blending, surface treatments (pearlescent, UV-cure), and functional additives for flame resistance.
- Formulation support—turnkey pigment-dispersion recommendations for synthetic mica powder in solvent- and water-based systems.
- Batch traceability, full TDS and MSDS, and regulatory documentation (FDA/REACH/ISO/EN71, ASTM G154 weatherability).
- Support for OEM/ODM and co-branding.
- Professional R&D with 14 years export experience; 40+ patents on pigment-mica composite processes.
- Lab or third-party (SGS, Intertek) testing available on request, including cyclic corrosion, light fastness, and skin irritation tests.

7. Application Scenarios & Industry Case Studies
- Cosmetics: Used in premium eye shadow, nail polish and foundation for unparalleled natural radiance and safe, allergen-free formulations. Major brands using synthetic mica glitter report a 20% increase in sparkle retention vs natural mica (source: Mintel DB, 2022).
-
Automotive Coatings: Mica flakes give pearl shimmer and deep color to metallic finishes. OEMs (Toyota, BYD, Hyundai) employ Glory Star's mica flakes for durability, color brilliance, and anti-corrosion performance.
- Industrial Applications: As anti-corrosive, fire-resistant fillers in pipe coatings and waterproof membranes. In refineries and wastewater solutions, replacement of asbestos with synthetic mica offers a 28% boost in chemical resistance.
- Electronics: Used in high-voltage insulators and optoelectronic films, offering enhanced breakdown resistance and dimensional stability.
- Customer Feedback—Piedra Mica Propiedades: Per client reviews in Latin America, installing synthetic mica flakes in decorative stone panels delivers brilliance, non-yellowing, and a lifetime gloss even under weathering and UV. Reference: "piedra mica propiedades" case—Rocastone SL, Mexico City, 2023.
8. Data Visualization: Synthetic Mica Flakes Performance (2020–2024)
9. Delivery, Warranty & After-Sales Support
- Standard lead time: 3–7 working days for typical spec, 14–28 days for bespoke blends or functionalized types (minimum batch 10kg).
- Warranty: Full replacement or credit for non-compliance with TDS/COA, 12-month shelf stability guarantee from delivery.
- Customer technical support: formulation matching, safety documentation, SGS and third-party test submissions, and on-site OEM training.
- All orders backed by Quality Assurance (ISO & REACH chain of custody). Exporting to 30+ countries since 2010.

FAQ: Mica Flakes & Synthetic Mica Specialization
- Q1: What material standards are synthetic mica flakes tested to?
- A: All batches adhere to ISO 9001:2015 (quality mgmt), FDA/EC cosmetic ingredient registration, and EN71/Toy Safety. For coatings, synthetic mica meets ASTM G154-16 (accelerated weathering).
- Q2: What particle sizes and shapes are available?
- A: From platelets of 5μm (ultra-fine for foundation and lipstick) up to 2,600μm (glitter, paints, crafts). Flake shapes: hexagonal, square, and irregular. Sizing is laser-controlled with ±2μm tolerance.
- Q3: What is "piedra mica propiedades" and why use synthetic grades?
- A: "Piedra mica propiedades" refers to mica's brilliance, low absorption, and weatherproof nature in stone panels or decorative materials. Synthetic mica offers higher gloss consistency, lower porosity, and longer UV resistance than natural or "mined" types.
- Q4: How is synthetic mica powder different from natural?
- A: Synthetic mica powder is lab-grown, heavy metal-free, ultra-pure, and highly transparent. It avoids natural impurities (quartz, heavy metals, radioactive residue), ensuring safety in cosmetics and food-contact coatings.
- Q5: Which certifications are key for international use?
- A: Mandatory certifications include ISO 9001 (QA), FDA (cosmetics), REACH (EU chemical safety), and for toys, EN71 (EU). Large OEMs may request additional ASTM, ANSI, or country-specific documentation.
- Q6: Can synthetic mica glitter be customized for color and surface finish?
- A: Yes. Particle size, shape, color (metal oxide pigment), and even multi-layered pearlescent effects can be tailored. Coatings for anti-caking, UV-activation, or dispersion can be specified per order.
- Q7: How are mica flakes shipped?
- A: Vacuum-sealed PE drums (10–25kg), moisture-proof bags, or custom packaging. Custom labeling and compliance with IMDG, REACH/EC, and local import requirements.

- GrandView Research 2023. “Mica Market Analysis by Grade (Natural, Synthetic), by End Use (Paints & Coatings, Cosmetics & Personal Care) & Segment Forecasts.” Read more
- “Comparative Evaluation of Cosmetic Mica Ingredient Profiles,” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Vol. 44(5), 2022. View Article
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – REACH Compliant Mica Flake Safety See data
- “Pearlescent Pigments for Industrial Applications: Synthetic Mica Advantages,” Pigment & Resin Technology, 2021 Full text
- Forum: SpecialChem “Mica in Paints & Polymers: Synthetic vs. Natural” Industry discussions
Post time: Aug-01-2025
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