Silicon Carbide

Hardness of 9-9.5 on the Mohs scale, metallic iridescent luster, often exhibiting rainbow colors due to an oxidized silica coating, hexagonal crystal system.

Extremely rare in nature as moissanite found in upper mantle rocks and meteorites, but predominantly manufactured industrially via the Acheson process at high temperatures.

Used as an industrial abrasive, cutting tool grit, refractory material, semiconductor, and popular mineral specimen for collectors.

Naturally occurring moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Most commercial specimens sold as iridescent clusters are synthetic byproducts of industrial manufacturing known as carborundum.

Easily identified by its extreme hardness, light weight relative to metal, brittle crystalline cluster structure, and characteristic rainbow oil-slick iridescence. Commonly sold globally in mineral shops.