What is Moissanite?
Origin and Growth of Moissanite
Moissanite, a gemo-stone made of silicon carbide and referred to as ‘Gemstone from the Stars', was first synthesized by a French chemist, Henri Moissan, in 1893 within a meteorite in Arizona. First, they were thought to be diamond stones; later, experts analyzed the substance to be silicon carbide.
Natural moissanite is extremely rare and was originally discovered in a meteorite and then later in the upper mantle beneath Wyoming and inclusions within a Russian rock. But it has only been synthesized since 1958 and is currently used as a ‘grown’ diamond produced in labs instead of mines due to efficient technologies that guarantee its source and minimal effects on the environment.
Therefore, it has gradually become a common gemstone in jewelry, especially as the center stone for engagement rings, due to the attractive and sustainable nature of moissanite.
Is a Moissanite a Diamond?
Composition, Optical Properties, and Hardness Contrasts
Moissanite and diamonds are different types of gems, and due to this, laboratory cultivation of nite has been developed. Whereas diamonds are carbon-based, moissanites are based on silicon carbide.
While wearing moissanite, a layman will easily confuse it with a diamond since it is equally lustrous, but there is a difference in the refractive ability, which gives more fire or color to the stone. Moissanite is hard (compare this to diamonds), though not as hard as diamond; it has a Mohs hardness of 9, while diamond is 10. 25.
Even though they both possess the characteristics of dispersion, scintillation, and thermal conductivity, their composition and optical characteristics differ considerably.
Comparison Guide
MOISSANITE VS. DIAMOND
Moissanite
Composition: Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Even if tiny amounts can be found naturally on Earth, when it comes to jewelry purposes, people often use the lab-created versions.
Hardness: In terms of hardness, moissanite ranks second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale at 9.25, which signifies that it is very hard as well as resistant to scratching or chipping.
Brilliancy and Shine: On account of its great refractive index that refracts light into colorful flashes, moissanites are ranked among the world's most brilliant and fiery gemstones, and this is reflected in their high level of sparkle.
Color: Moissanites really come with almost no color; hence, their grading starts with D, which means no color, while K has just a slight yellow or gray undertone.
Cost: For people looking to dazzle without breaking the bank, this makes moissanite an affordable alternative, especially where diamonds of equal size and quality are concerned.
Origins and sustainability: lab-created moissanite, which is available today, offers an ecological and sustainable alternative to mined gemstones.
Popularity and Tradition: Moisanites have been gaining popularity as engagement rings and also in fine jewelry as a replacement for precious stones.
Diamond
Nature: In its crystalline form, diamond consists of pure carbon in the earth’s crusts that have been under pressure for many years before they get to the surface.
Hardness: The hardness test shows that it’s the hardest natural, having a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, hence making it very durable and suitable for daily usage.
Brilliance and Sparkle: For their highly luster, light rays are dispersed through diamonds, producing beautiful glistening known as “diamond fire.”
Color: There are various colors in diamonds, from colorless (D) to yellowish brown and light yellow as well. Different grades of color determine how valuable or rare they are.
Price: Diamonds are associated with higher costs because they are rare and often in demand. The cut, color, clarity, and weight of carats greatly affect their prices.
Source and sustainability: An ethical diamond raises ethical issues, sustainability issues, and environmental issues. Some groups have raised concerns about mining practices that don’t consider responsible mining or traceability.
Popularity and tradition: Luxury, romance, and tradition have always been associated with diamonds all through the ages, hence why they are popular engagement rings and special occasion gifts.
How to Tell a Moissanite from a Diamond
It may be difficult to compare diamonds and moissanites in the absence of appropriate training.
The best solution is to place two stones of equal size next to each other—a diamond next to a moissanite. Their light reflection, color, and scintillation produce a different sparkle than other stones. Moissanite might as well exhibit this property, but its vibrant ‘fire’ produces more intense rainbow flashes, especially when it’s heavier, hence creating a ‘disco ball’ effect.
For proper identification, one should seek assistance from an expert who will use a loupe to look for ‘doubling’ at facet junctions; this is how one will know if the stone is really a diamond or a moissanite.
Benefits of Moissanite
Mining Free
Moissanite is lab-created to minimize the mining impact.
Value
Moissanite offers exceptional value for every carat compared with other gemstones.
Durability
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanites are suitable for daily ornaments.
Tips on Selecting a Moissanite
When considering buying moissanite, there are some important differences compared to other gemstones.
Diamonds are graded on their cut, color, clarity, and carat by independent institutions, while moissanites are mainly valued based on their cut, color, and clarity. They can also be grouped as Premium or Super Premium in Poet Robson's shop, where a Premium is similar to a G-H-colored diamond, whereas a Super Premium resembles the D-E-F range. With advanced technology applied in the production of moissanites, few differences are observed in their quality.
If you are considering buying a diamond-like stone from the zillions of other options available today in jewelry stores around you, then you must decide if moissanite matches your taste, particularly when it comes to its unique features such as fire scaticulation, affordability, and durability as opposed to diamonds.
Moissanite FAQ's
Does Moissanite get cloudy?
No, moissanite does not get cloudy over time. Read our Care Instructions for tips on how to preserve, protect, and clean your jewelry.
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite is grown in a laboratory by professionals with advanced, specialized equipment.
How long does moissanite last?
Moissanites are strong, long-lasting gemstones. With proper care, moissanites can last throughout your lifetime and be passed down to future generations.
Are Moissanite stones high-quality?
Yes. Just like diamonds, moissanite is graded for color, clarity, cut, polish and symmetry. Our moissanites are considered top gem quality as they are colorless (D-E-F), high clarity (VS1 or better) and have excellent cut, polish and symmetry.
Is moissanite durable?
Moissanite is one of the toughest known gemstones which makes it perfect for an engagement ring, a piece of jewelry that is usually worn every day. Studies in high pressure research have shown that moissanite stone is highly resistant to breaking and chipping.
Does moissanite lose its sparkle?
Moissanite will not lose its sparkle as time passes. The clarity and color of the stone won’t change through the years. Dirt and grime are the only common elements that may inhibit a ring’s sparkle until it is cleaned. Damaging the surface of moissanite can inhibit sparkle, as it would for any gemstone.
