Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum /kɑrbəˈrʌndəm/ , is a compound of silicon and carbon with chemical formula SiC.It occurs in nature as the extremely rare mineral moissanite.Silicon carbide powder has been mass-produced since 1893 for use as an abrasive.ilicon carbide is used in carborundum printmaking – a collagraph printmaking technique. Carborundum grit is applied in a paste to the surface of an aluminium plate. When the paste is dry, ink is applied and trapped in its granular surface, then wiped from the bare areas of the plate.