Silicon Carbide (Black) Rock Tumbling Grit, Pick A Grade, 25 lbs or More

We offer four main blends of Black Silicon Carbide (Carborundum) for lapidary tumbling applications:

• 46/70 - best used in large tumblers
• 60/90 (grinding)
• 120/200 (sanding)
• 500/600 (pre-polish)
• Non-Blends: 1000, 1200, and 1500 (polishes)
• WHITE ALUMINUM OXIDE 3 MICRON TXP POLISH CAN BE ORDERED ON THIS PAGE
• Minimum order for black silicon carbide is a 25lb box, online ordering.   Repackaging/Processing lead times are currently around one week (usually ~3 business days), but will ship sooner if possible.  This material comes standard in 300 lb drums and must be repackaged for smaller orders.

Because black silicon carbide is harder than aluminum oxide, it is generally used for the abrasive wheel, slurry, refractory and ceramic industries.  Silicon Carbide is special in the way it breaks down.  As it breaks down into smaller particles, the media will expose new, sharp edges.  Therefore, black silicon carbide can be best used over and over, such as in a rock tumbler.  It is very effective in grinding almost any material other than Corundum.  Simply keep adding new coarser grit, and as the media breaks down, it will create a "working blend" of particles.

Silicon Carbide has a lower hardness and abrasive capacity than diamond and/or boron carbide (both are which 9+ on the Mohs hardness scale).  Yet because of its much lower cost when compared with diamond or B4C, it is widely used for grinding nonferrous materials, finishing tough and hard materials, as well as filling up ceramic parts.  It is therefore perfect as a rock tumbling media, unless you are processing materials at a 9 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale.  (In such a case, you should use Boron Carbide instead.  As an example, if polishing Sapphire Corundum or even expensive Cabochons, always use Boron Carbide.  These are some of the few times where the use of Boron Carbide and its cost, is justified.)

The grit size appropriate for your application will depend on the size and hardess, shape, and roughness of  what you are processing.  If the sizes listed on this page are not what you need, then please jump to this page, which allows you to order all ANSI and FEPA grades available.

Minimum quantity:  25 lb box

Wholesale packaging is in 300lb drums.  Email us for wholesale pricing on drum orders, as this will require custom freight rates.

Other common applications include:

• Ceramic, metal lapping, and polishing applications
• Slicing of silicon carbide wafers
• Rock and stone polishing and engraving
• Slicing, lapping, and polishing glass and germanium wafers
• Lapping of piston rings and gears
• Grinding of nonferrous materials
• Finishing tough and hard materials
• Bonded abrasive tool applications
• Glass etching and glass carving industries
• Anti-skid, anti-slip abrasive

Specifications of Silicon Carbide:

• Thermal Conductivity: High (100 W/m-K) approximately
• Incompatabilities: None
• Typical Packaging: 300lb Drums, 50lb bags, 25lb boxes
• Odor: Odorless
• Safety: Avoid breathing dust; wear protective gear
• Purity: 99% approximate
• Friability: Semi-Friable - as it fractures it will break down with sharp edges and points.
• Pricing Based Per: Pound
• Structure: Monocrystalline
• NMF Classification: Class 55
• Fire & Explosion: Fines can cause explosion and smolder
• Keep away from all sources of ignition
• Color: Black
• Hardness: Knoop 2480
• Instability: Stable
• Hazardous? Not listed as hazardous; see other cautions
• Disposal: According to Federal, State, Local regulations
• Grain Shape: Blocky, sharp edged
• Type: Granular or powdery depending on grade
• Specific Gravity: 3.2 (SiC)

Wholesale Shipping & Packaging Information:

• Default Packaging:  Default packaging is in 50lb bags, or 300 lb drums.
• Tote Packaging:  We can also package this in 2,200 lb super sacks. (1 metric ton) 
• Discount Pricing:  Please use our Quote Request form to obtain custom pricing on larger quantities, with freight.  Remember to tell us your ship-to address and the total number of lbs or tons you want a bid on. 

Loading Dock:  Generally, you need to have a commercial address with loading dock to receive orders over 200lbs.  If you do not, we can ship it to a local terminal and you pick it up yourself from the terminal.  We can also ship to a residential address, but this is very costly and not recommended.