mineral

Iridescent silicon carbide (carborundum) crystal

Synthetic silicon carbide (SiC), likely a moissanite/carborundum specimen

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black with vivid rainbow iridescence; metallic to submetallic luster and angular crystal faces. Mohs hardness about 9–9.5; hexagonal or cubic crystal structure; cleavage is poor or absent. The image alone cannot confirm the material.

Identified October 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Most rainbow-iridescent carborundum specimens are industrially grown in electric furnaces, not naturally formed; natural moissanite is exceptionally rare and occurs in meteorites and a few mantle-derived rocks.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive and in high-temperature electronics; gem-quality synthetic SiC is used in jewelry, while colorful rough pieces are mainly collected as curiosities.

Geological facts

The rainbow sheen is usually a thin-film surface effect, not the specimen’s body color. Natural moissanite was first identified in a meteorite crater and is chemically silicon carbide.

Field identification & locations

Angular, dark crystals with vivid surface iridescence suggest carborundum; hardness and composition require testing for confirmation. Common examples are manufactured and sold as mineral specimens.