Carborundum
Moissanite (Silicon Carbide) · Industrial Mineral / Collector Specimen
Crystal System
Hexagonal or Trigonal; typically occurring as iridescent, platy, or acicular crystalline aggregates with jagged edges.
Mineral Group
Carbides (Non-silicate)
Chemical Formula
SiC
Formation Process
Synthetic carborundum is formed via the Acheson process by heating silica sand and carbon at temperatures between 1700 to 2500 degrees Celsius.
About This Crystal
An opaque, dark gray to black crystalline mass with a distinctive rainbow-colored iridescent luster. It features sharp, jagged edges and a splintery surface that sparkles under direct light.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Dark gray to black body with iridescent surface; Streak: Dark gray; Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 3.21; Fluorescence: Typically none.
Optical Properties
Sub-metallic to adamantine luster; exhibits strong iridiscence (thin-film interference) creating a 'peacock' or rainbow effect on the crystal faces.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Primarily lab-produced globally; natural Moissanite is extremely rare and found in meteorites like Canyon Diablo.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 9.5; extremely durable and scratch-resistant, second only to diamond in hardness; brittle tenacity.
Care & Maintenance
Durable enough for most cleaning; it can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Be cautious as the sharp crystal points can easily scratch other stones or skin.
Rarity & Value
Common and inexpensive as a synthetic industrial byproduct; natural Moissanite is one of the rarest minerals on Earth. Specimens are valued for size and color intensity.
Special Characteristics
The most notable feature is the rainbow 'oil slick' iridescence caused by a thin layer of silicon dioxide that forms on the surface during cooling.
Lore & History
Discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893. While industrial in origin, it's used in modern healing to ground energy and clear blockages across all chakras due to its rainbow spectrum.