synthetic carborundum
Date: circa 1895
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1480
Classification: Mineral
Subject:
Maker: Oliver Wolcott Gibbs (1822 - 1908)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
4.2 x 10 x 4.3 cm (1 5/8 x 3 15/16 x 1 11/16 in.)
Material:
Description:
This inorganic sample is the synthetic compound carborundum (i.e. silicon carbide).
There is a round tag that attributes the compound to Dr. Oliver Wolcott Gibbs.
There is a round tag that attributes the compound to Dr. Oliver Wolcott Gibbs.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Historical AttributesThis inorganic sample is the synthetic compound carborundum (i.e. silicon carbide). It was first created by Edward Goodrich Acheson in 1893. It is commonly used as an abrasive due to its gritty, durable qualities. This particular specimen once belonged to Dr. Oliver Wolcott Gibbs (1822-1908), who was the Rumford Professor of Chemistry at Harvard during a time of rapid advancement in the field of synthetic inorganic chemistry.
Curatorial RemarksMineral identification confirmed by Kevin Czaja, Curatorial Assistant, Mineralogical & Geological Museum, Harvard University, on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.