Mica Grinding Project (0.8 TPH, 380 Mesh)
Mica is a unique non-metallic mineral known for its distinct lamellar (plate-like) structure, excellent optical properties, and good chemical stability, making it indispensable in various industries, particularly cosmetics. This specialized project, located in Gujarat, India—a major global source of high-quality mica—focuses on producing cosmetic-grade mica powder with an output fineness of 380 mesh and a production capacity of 0.8 TPH. The powder is specifically tailored for a leading global cosmetic brand, used in high-end products such as eyeshadows, highlighters, and foundations, where it provides a shimmering effect, improves skin adhesion, and delivers a soft, silky texture.
The raw material used in this project is high-quality muscovite mica, sourced from the nearby Rajasthan region, which is renowned for its pure and translucent mica deposits. The raw mica flakes have an initial particle size of 1-5mm, a whiteness value of 88-90%, and a moisture content of 2-3%. Before grinding, the mica undergoes a rigorous multi-step pretreatment process to ensure the highest purity and quality. First, the mica flakes are soaked in deionized water for 2 hours, followed by high-speed stirring to remove surface impurities such as dust, clay, and debris. The washed mica is then dried in a vacuum oven at 80°C for 4 hours to reduce the moisture content to less than 0.5%, preventing agglomeration during grinding.
Next, a high-intensity magnetic separator (15,000 gauss) is used to remove iron impurities, which are common in natural mica deposits and can cause discoloration in cosmetic products. After magnetic separation, the mica flakes are manually sorted to eliminate any remaining rock fragments or dark-colored mica, ensuring the final product meets the strict purity requirements of the cosmetic industry. The production workshop is designed as an ISO Class 8 cleanroom, equipped with HEPA filters to control dust and maintain a contamination-free environment.
The grinding process uses an airflow mill (jet mill), which is ideal for processing fragile mica flakes without damaging their lamellar structure. Unlike mechanical mills, airflow mills use high-pressure air (8-10 bar) to accelerate particles, causing them to collide with each other in a ceramic-lined grinding chamber—minimizing contact with metal surfaces and reducing flake breakage. The 380-mesh powder is collected using a cyclone separator and a HEPA filter, ensuring no product loss and maintaining cleanroom standards. The final product meets EU Regulation 1223/2009 and US FDA standards, with heavy metal content (lead <10 ppm, arsenic <5 ppm) well below limits, making it safe for cosmetic use.
