Mineral ‘Biotite’ in Mukaa (kilome)
Visible on both footpaths and trackroads around mukaa.
It differs from mica below
In that it has magnesium and iron. Sometimes refered to as ‘black mica’
While the other is known as ‘white mica’ or ‘makengi’ by locals
It is used for carbon dating(ie establishing age of) rocks and in electrical devices such as
capacitors and thermionic valves.
Biotite is sometimes used in
decorative concrete or in paints.
Immediate uses locally would include addition to house paints while cut into small squares, stars or circles as a decorate, millimetre size chips can be used as body glitter for women or the chips can be used for terrazo creating an interesting metallic/reflective effect.
Text & Images
©Muoki Kioko 2009-2012
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