Natural Silicon Carbide Mineral Specimen Rare Moissanite Crystal Formation 60–90mm

Description

Natural Silicon Carbide Mineral Specimen – Rare Moissanite Crystal Formation

This listing offers a carefully selected Natural Silicon Carbide mineral specimen, measuring approximately 60–90mm. Each piece displays the distinctive crystalline structure and shimmering metallic surfaces that make silicon carbide a highly sought-after addition to mineral collections. The photograph included shows an example of the actual grade and type of specimen you will receive, along with a 1cm scale cube to help determine the true size.

Every specimen is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete confidence in its natural origin and mineralogical integrity.

What Is Natural Silicon Carbide? – Mineralogical Background

Natural Silicon Carbide is known in the mineral world as Moissanite, one of the rarest naturally occurring minerals on Earth. It is a compound of silicon and carbon (SiC) that forms under extreme conditions, typically in high-pressure, high-temperature environments that are not commonly encountered in the Earth’s crust.

Historically, natural moissanite was first identified by the chemist Henri Moissan in 1893, who discovered the mineral within material collected from a meteorite crater. This extraterrestrial origin explains the rarity of naturally occurring silicon carbide, as it is far more commonly found in meteorites than in terrestrial deposits.

Geological Formation and Environment

Silicon Carbide forms in environments where carbon and silicon can combine under conditions of exceptional heat and pressure. These geological settings can include:

• Meteorite impact sites, where intense heat triggers rapid crystallisation
• Mantle-derived rocks, such as kimberlites or eclogites, where extreme pressures exist
• Volcanic vapour-phase deposits, where specific chemical conditions allow SiC to nucleate and grow
• Because the mineral is thermodynamically stable only at very high temperatures, its formation is naturally limited and highly unusual. This rarity makes natural silicon carbide specimens particularly prized among mineral collectors.

Crystal Structure and Notable Features

Natural Silicon Carbide displays several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other minerals:

• Hexagonal or rhombohedral crystal habits
• High brilliance and metallic lustre
• A hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond
• Iridescent surface colours, ranging from metallic silver to blue, green, or purple
• Strongly refractive internal structure, giving it naturally reflective edges and facets
• The unique crystallography of SiC allows it to exhibit exceptional clarity and sharp crystal edges, making each specimen visually striking.

Scientific and Collector Interest

Silicon Carbide is of significant scientific interest due to its unusual formation conditions and extraterrestrial associations. Tiny SiC grains known as presolar grains are often found within meteorites, predating our solar system and offering insight into stellar evolution.

Collectors value natural silicon carbide specimens for their rarity, aesthetic appearance, and connection to both geology and astrophysics. Their shimmering, angular structure and metallic rainbow sheen make them standout display pieces.

A Unique Mineral Specimen for Display and Study

Each Natural Silicon Carbide specimen offered here is hand-selected for visual quality, crystal form, and overall presence. Its bold metallic appearance, sharp crystallisation, and rarity make it an excellent choice for collectors, educators, and anyone fascinated by unusual natural minerals.

Presented with a Certificate of Authenticity and carefully packaged for protection, this specimen is a remarkable example of one of Earth’s and space’s most extraordinary minerals.