mineral
Silicon Carbide (Carborundum)
Silicon Carbide (SiC) / Moissanite (natural)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 9-9.5, Color: Iridescent blue, green, purple, black, Luster: Adamantine to metallic, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 3.21
- Hardness
- 9-9
Identified More mineral →
Explore Silicon Carbide (Carborundum) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 9-9.5, Color: Iridescent blue, green, purple, black, Luster: Adamantine to metallic, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 3.21
Formation & geological history
Almost all specimens found in commerce are man-made via the Acheson process (heating silica sand and carbon). Natural Moissanite is exceptionally rare and found in meteorites or upper mantle inclusions.
Uses & applications
Used industrially as an abrasive (sandpaper, cutting tools), in semiconductors, high-temperature ceramics, and as a diamond simulant in jewelry.
Geological facts
It is one of the hardest known substances. The iridescence is caused by a thin layer of silicon dioxide that forms on the surface through oxidation.
Field identification & locations
Identify by extreme hardness (scratches glass/gemstones) and brilliant rainbow-colored metallic iridescence. It is not found in nature as large crystals visible to the naked eye.
