How do I identify Nierite?

Nierite can be identified by its hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

Nierite has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

Nierite

A variety of Minerals

What is Nierite?

Silicon nitride is a chemical compound of the elements silicon and nitrogen. Si3N4 is the most thermodynamically stable of the silicon nitrides. Hence, Si3N4 is the most commercially important of the silicon nitrides when referring to the term "silicon nitride". It is a white, high-melting-point solid that is relatively chemically inert, being attacked by dilute HF and hot H2SO4. It is very hard (8.5 on the mohs scale). It has a high thermal stability.

Uses & Applications

In general, the main issue with applications of silicon nitride has not been technical performance, but cost. As the cost has come down, the number of production applications is accelerating.