mica mineral, a basic aluminosilicate of calcium, magnesium, and iron. It occurs in chlorite schist (with talc) and in altered limestones. Clintonite is the primary member of a group of micas (also including margarite) in which calcium substitutes for potassium and the silicon content increases. The members of the clintonite group, also called the brittle micas (brittle mica), are harder and more brittle than the common micas. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see mica (table).