Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0013450, Sat, 7 Oct 2006 18:16:15 -0400

Subject
Mica and Muscovites
From
Date
Body
[EDNOTE. Clarifications re: Muscovy glass in PF from Carolyn Kunin, Don
Johnson, and Victor Fet . -- SES]

Dear Jansy,

Victor Fet gave you the answer for mica/muscovite glass. For those more
familiar with the American musical, mica when used as a window was also
called "isinglass" as in the song "Surrey with the Fringe on Top."

Carolyn

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Dear Jansy and all,
The English "muscovite" and Russian "muskovit" both refer to the
mineral potassium mica used, I gather, in glass-making.

Cheers, Don
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>>>>(Why would "mica" be a synonim for "muscovite"? Is it some kind of
scientific name for the mineral?)

Yes, "muscovite", derived from Muscovy, is another name for mica.

See e.g.:
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/muscovit/muscovit.htm

"A rare twin variety from Brazil forms yellow five pointed stars and is
called "Star Muscovite" - also called "Brazilianite" :)

Also, as another website asserts, "Muscovite stimulates the heart chakra
and allows the layers of insecurities and uncertainties to disperse. It
can be used to lesson self-doubt, and activate awareness of the higher
self."

Victor

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