mineral

Silicon Carbide (Carborundum)

Moissanite (SiC)

Hardness: 9 - 9.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Iridescent black, green, or blue; Luster: Adamantine to metallic; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Specific gravity: 3.21

Hardness: 9 - 9
Color: Iridescent black, green, or blue
Luster: Adamantine to metallic

Identified June 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 9 - 9.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Iridescent black, green, or blue; Luster: Adamantine to metallic; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Specific gravity: 3.21

Formation & geological history

Naturally occurring as the extremely rare mineral Moissanite in meteorites or kimberlites; however, nearly all commercial specimens are synthetic, produced by the Acheson process at temperatures over 2500°C.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an abrasive, for semiconductor devices, in ceramic brake discs, and as a diamond simulant in jewelry.

Geological facts

This material is one of the hardest substances known, second only to diamond and boron nitride. It was first discovered in a meteorite in Arizona by Henri Moissan.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its extreme hardness and iridescent luster. While rare in nature, carborundum is a popular addition to mineral collections due to its rainbow-like colors.