Article
Article
Biotite
Article By:
Wones, David R. Department of Geological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
Last reviewed:February 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.084700
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- Biotite, published October 2019:Download PDF
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An iron-magnesium-rich layer silicate; it is also known as black mica. Biotite (see illustration) is the most abundant of the mica group of minerals. The name is derived from that of the French chemist J. Biot. The formula for the ideal end member, phlogopite, is KMg3AlSi3O10(OH)2. The more general formula is AX3Y4O12(Z)2, where A (interlayer cation) = K, Na, Ca, Ba, or vacancies; X (octahedral cations) = Li, Mg, Fe2+, Fe3+, Al, Ti, or vacancies; and Y (tetrahedral cation) = Fe3+, Al, Si; Z = (OH), F, Cl, O2−. This formula is more indicative of the wide range of compositions known for this mineral. Biotite has no commercial value, but vermiculite, an alteration product of magnesium-rich biotite, is used as insulation, as packing material, and as an ingredient for potting soils. See also: Vermiculite
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