Silicon carbide (artificial) Dr. B. Phillips Coll.

Item Description

A striking large specimen of silicon carbide or carborundum (trademark name) from Norway. It is generally formed in blast furnaces during the production of iron or can be artificially manufactured. This sculptural piece has sharp hexagonal plates and elongated crystals with beautiful variable iridescence. It is easily recognised by its dark blue-black color, rainbow sheen (like the colors you see on oily water) and the extreme hardness. It will easily scratch glass and every common mineral except diamond (MINDAT). It is used as an abrasive for cutting, grinding, and polishing, as an antislip additive, and as a refractory. Uncommon Norway material, probably from a smelter. Ex Dr. Barratt Phillips Collection.