Moissanite: All You Need To Know
1. What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide, named by the French scientist Henri Moissan who first discovered it in a meteorite crater during 1893 in Arizona. Often compared to diamonds for their similar optical and physical properties, Moissanites are highly valued for their brilliance, durability, and flexibility that allows them to be fashioned into a variety of exquisite jewelry settings such as engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces.
2. How is moissanite made?
During the late 80s, scientists developed the thermal growing process of Moissanites that made it more available to consumers. A mixture of silicon carbide and other chemicals is heated to high temperatures and then allowed to cool, which causes moissanite crystals to form. This method is often used to create large moissanite crystals.
Another method is a process called "chemical vapor deposition", where a small diamond "seed" is placed in a chamber along with a mixture of gas that contain silicon and carbon. The gas is then heated to a high temperature, causing the silicon and carbon atoms to deposit onto the diamond seed and form a layer of silicon carbide. This process is repeated several times, layer upon layer, until a rough moissanite crystal is formed.
Once the moissanite crystals have been produced through either the thermal processing method or chemical vapor deposition, they are cut and polished to create the final gemstones. The finished moissanites are then graded based on their quality and used in a variety of jewelry applications.
3. How long does moissanite last?
Moissanites are often considered a “lifetime” gemstone due to its durability and longevity. It is highly resistant to scratches, abrasions, chipping, heat, chemicals, and other environmental factors. With a score of 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, moissanite is harder than any gemstone, only second to diamond, which is a 10. As long as it is properly cared for, a moissanite can retain its beauty, color, and brilliance for a very long time.
4. Brilliance & Fire
Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire dispersion. Its brilliance (or sparkle) has a higher refractive index than that of a diamond, which means it reflects more light and has more fire (or spectral flashes of color) than a diamond. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, while a diamond has a refractive index of 2.42, which makes moissanite the most brilliant gemstone in the world!
Additionally, moissanite has a high level of dispersion, which refers to the separation of white light into its spectral colors. Moissanite has a dispersion rating of 0.104, which is significantly higher than that of a diamond, which has a dispersion rating of 0.044. This means that moissanite displays more colorful flashes of light or "rainbow" colors than a diamond.
The combination of high refractive index and high dispersion gives moissanite its signature brilliance and fire. When light enters a moissanite gemstone, it is reflected and refracted many times, creating a dazzling display of light and color. This makes moissanite an excellent choice for those looking for a gemstone that has exceptional sparkle and beauty.
5. Comparisons to Diamond
Moissanite stones now are rarely found in nature and so most are created in a controlled environment that recreates the same conditions identical to those mined/found in nature. It just so happens that a moissanite looks very similar to a diamond; but it is in no way a diamond. It is, however, one of the best diamond alternatives there is.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are identical to natural diamonds in every way—chemically, physically, and optically—but are created in controlled environments as well. Both are made of pure carbon and offer the same timeless elegance as natural diamonds but come at a fraction of the cost and without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.
Natural diamonds, formed over billions of years beneath the earth’s surface, carry a sense of rarity and history that makes them particularly special to some buyers. However, their high price tag and the ethical concerns surrounding the mining process often lead consumers to consider lab-grown or moissanite alternatives.
Ultimately, the choice between these options depends on personal values, preferences, and budget. For those who value sustainability and affordability, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are stellar options that deliver brilliance without compromise. A significant difference that can be considered is that the creation of moissanite and lab diamonds do not contribute to environmental degradation or unethical mining practices. You get the same appearance and durability of mined stones without the price tag.