Silicon Carbide

Synthetic silicon carbide (SiC) displaying a strongly iridescent surface with metallic to adamantine lustre. Silicon carbide may occur in a range of colours, including colourless, yellow, green, blue, brown, and black, depending on impurities, structural defects, and surface oxidation. The naturally occurring mineral form of silicon carbide is known as moissanite, although natural occurrences are rare. Synthetic gem-quality silicon carbide is also marketed as moissanite and is widely used as a diamond simulant because of its high hardness, brilliance, and refractive index. Note: This specimen is synthetic and should not be classified as a naturally occurring mineral.