What is Moissanite?
Moissanite, a captivating mineral composed of silicon carbide, has a fascinating history that begins in the stars. In 1893, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan made a remarkable discovery inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Initially mistaking the crystals for diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined they were actually silicon carbide. In honor of his groundbreaking find, this naturally occurring mineral was later named moissanite.
Despite its extraterrestrial origins, moissanite is incredibly rare in its natural form. It took until 1958 for geologists to find it outside of meteorites, first in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming, and then, a year later, as inclusions in rock formations in Russia.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories, offering a stunning and ethical alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment using advanced technology, moissanite is easily traceable and requires no mining. This eco-friendly process results in a smaller carbon footprint and minimized environmental impact compared to naturally mined gems.
As more people discover the beauty and brilliance of moissanite, it has become increasingly popular in the world of jewelry. Its dazzling appearance and durability make it an excellent choice for engagement rings, where it often takes center stage as the main stone.
Moissanite’s journey from the stars to the Earth’s surface, and now to the fingers of brides-to-be, is a testament to its enduring allure. With its unique origin story, ethical production, and undeniable beauty, moissanite has rightfully earned its place as a sought-after gemstone in the jewelry industry. As more couples opt for this stunning alternative to diamonds, moissanite continues to shine brightly, captivating hearts and minds alike.
Is a Moissanite a Diamond?
Moissanite and diamond may appear similar to the untrained eye, but these two gemstones have distinct differences in composition and physical properties. While diamonds are composed solely of carbon, moissanites are made of silicon carbide, a material that is grown in laboratories to visually mimic the appearance of diamonds.
One of the most noticeable differences between moissanite and diamond is the way they interact with light. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, meaning it produces more rainbow-colored flashes, or “fire,” when light hits the stone’s surface. This optical property can be a telltale sign for gemstone enthusiasts and professionals when distinguishing between the two.
Another key difference lies in their hardness. Diamonds are the hardest natural material known to man, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite, while still a durable gemstone, measures a 9.25 on the same scale, making it slightly less resistant to scratches and wear compared to diamonds.
Despite these differences, moissanite and diamond do share some similarities. Both gemstones exhibit dispersion, the ability to split white light into its component colors, and scintillation, the sparkle effect caused by the reflection of light within the stone. Additionally, they are both considered good thermal conductors, meaning they can quickly transfer heat away from the source.
While moissanite makes for a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to diamonds, it is essential for consumers to understand that they are not the same. Each gemstone has its unique qualities and characteristics that set it apart from the other. Whether one chooses a moissanite or a diamond, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and an appreciation for the distinct beauty of each stone.
Moissanite
Natural Diamond
Lab Grown Diamond
| Moissanite | Natural Diamond | Lab Grown Diamond | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Durability Gemstone hardness measured on the Mohs scale |
9.25 on the Mohs scale, suitable for daily wear | 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest natural mineral, ideal for engagement rings | 10 on the Mohs scale, just as durable as natural diamonds, perfect for engagement rings |
|
Brilliance The appearance of light reflected from inside the gemstone |
Slightly more brilliant than diamonds with over twice the fire, especially noticeable in stones over 1 carat; refractive index of 2.64-2.69 | Slightly less brilliant than moissanite with half the fire, but still exhibits dispersion and scintillation; refractive index of 2.417-2.419 | Identical brilliance properties to natural diamonds; refractive index of 2.417-2.419 |
|
Color The presence or absence of visible color within the gemstone |
Can be grown colorless, near-colorless, or in hues like teal, grey, green, yellow, and black | Occurs naturally in the colorless range as well as fancy colors like pink, blue, and yellow due to trace elements | Rarest in colorless range, but also created in a wide variety of vivid fancy colors that are more accessible than natural colored diamonds |
|
Price The cost of the gemstone |
Dramatically lower in price than diamonds of the same carat weight; pricing based on size, shape, and color | The most expensive due to rarity and billions of years to form naturally; priced based on the 4 C's and shape | Less expensive than natural diamonds due to lab origin, but more costly than moissanite; priced based on the 4 C's and shape like natural diamonds |
|
Sourcing The origin and production method of the gemstone |
Grown in controlled laboratory conditions by professionals, then cut and polished | Forms deep within the Earth over billions of years, then mined, cut, and polished | Grown in controlled laboratory conditions by professionals to replicate natural diamond formation, then cut and polished |
How to Tell a Moissanite from a Diamond
Distinguishing between moissanite and diamond can be challenging if you’re not trained in spotting the differences between these two gemstones.
The most effective method is to compare two stones of similar size side-by-side, with one being a moissanite and the other a diamond. Diamonds have a distinctive sparkle that arises from a combination of how they reflect light, the colors that are refracted through the stone, and the way the light scintillates. While moissanite also exhibits these optical properties, it has over twice the amount of “fire”, meaning it displays much more intense flashes of prismatic colors compared to diamonds. This “disco ball” effect becomes more noticeable in larger moissanite stones and is the quickest way to visually differentiate moissanite from diamond.
For official confirmation, take the stone to a professional gemologist. They can inspect the stone under magnification to look for the “doubling” effect visible at the intersections of opposite facets, which will conclusively identify whether it is a moissanite or diamond.
Eco-Friendly Origins
Moissanite is sustainably created in laboratories, drastically reducing the environmental impact associated with mining natural gemstones.
Affordable
Moissanite offers exceptional value, with a significantly lower price per carat compared to most other precious gemstones.
Durability
With a impressive 9.25 rating on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is durable enough to withstand daily wear without easily scratching or chipping.
No, moissanite does not get cloudy with proper care. Moissanite is highly resistant to scratches and clouding due to its excellent hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and durability. Its high refractive index also ensures moissanite maintains its brilliance and clarity. With simple care like regular cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals, moissanite will stay clear and sparkly indefinitely.
Moissanite is lab-created using advanced manufacturing processes. It is grown from silicon carbide crystals in highly controlled laboratory environments using specialized equipment. The raw crystals undergo expert cutting, polishing and quality control to produce the final moissanite gemstones. This lab-grown origin ensures moissanite has consistent quality and durability.
Moissanite is exceptionally durable and can last indefinitely with proper care. As a hard, scratch-resistant gem with a rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is suitable for daily wear in engagement rings and other jewelry. It will not change color, lose its sparkle, or become cloudy over time. By following simple care guidelines like cleaning and safe storage, moissanite jewelry can be enjoyed for generations.
No, moissanite is not considered a precious stone by the traditional definition. The term “precious” is typically reserved for diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. However, moissanite is a highly valued and desirable gemstone prized for its brilliance, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to diamonds. Many consider moissanite a premium alternative to precious stones.
Moissanite and cubic zirconia can appear quite similar, but a trained jeweler can usually distinguish them. Moissanite has higher brilliance, fire, and luster than CZ. It’s also much harder, with a 9.25 rating on the Mohs scale compared to CZ’s 8.5. The most reliable way to identify moissanite is to have the gem tested by a professional jeweler using specialized equipment.