A Full Overview of Moissanite

You may have heard of this top diamond alternative, but what is moissanite? Moissanite is a gemstone that’s got everyone talking about its sparkle and affordability

Found in a meteor crater, it’s often compared to diamonds because of its look. 

Knowing about moissanite’s origins, properties, and benefits will help you decide if it’s right for you.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone known for its brilliance and durability. It’s a diamond alternative with many of the same visual properties as diamonds but at a fraction of the cost. 

Moissanite has become a favorite for those looking for beautiful, durable and ethically sourced gemstones. Today moissanite is almost all lab grown so you get consistent quality and ethical sourcing.

Where Does Moissanite Come From?

Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially thought to be diamonds, these crystals were later found to be silicon carbide. 

Moissanite’s cosmic origin gives it a unique and fascinating history that sets it apart from other gemstones. 

The story of its discovery in a meteorite adds a bit of magic to this already amazing gem.

The History Of Moissanite

Henri Moissan’s discovery of moissanite in a meteor crater was a game changer. Initially, scientists thought these crystals were diamonds due to their brilliance. 

However, upon further analysis, Moissan found they were silicon carbide, not carbon. 

This discovery opened up new avenues in gemology and allowed for the synthetic production of this unique gemstone. 

Synthetic moissanite was first produced in the late 20th century and now can be grown in a lab, so you get high quality and availability.

How Is Moissanite Made?

Today, almost all moissanite is lab-grown. This controlled environment means high quality and no environmental or ethical issues with diamond mining. 

The process combines silica and carbon at extremely high temperatures to form silicon carbide crystals.

This method gives you a consistent, high-quality gemstone that is as beautiful and durable as a natural diamond. 

The lab growth of moissanite involves advanced technology. Scientists use chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to grow silicon carbide crystals.

This process involves heating a gas mixture of carbon and silicon to high temperatures and the elements bond and form crystals. These crystals are then cut and polished to create the beautiful gemstones used in jewelry.

Moissanite vs Diamond

Appearance and Brilliance

Moissanite is often compared to diamonds because of its look. But it actually beats diamonds in brilliance because of its higher refractive index, which means it sparkles more in natural light. 

Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65, compared to diamonds’ 2.42. This higher refractive index gives moissanite its extra sparkle, making it a favourite for those who love a sparkly gem. 

The way moissanite catches and reflects light is amazing, often leaving people in awe of its brilliance.

Durability

Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond. It’s very resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear. It makes moissanite a great choice for engagement rings and other jewelry that’s worn daily. 

Moissanite is durable, so your moissanite jewelry will stay beautiful and intact for years to come, even with daily wear.

Color and Clarity

Moissanites are nearly colorless but can have a slight yellow or greyish tint in certain lighting. 

Unlike diamonds, moissanites don’t have visible inclusions or flaws because they are lab-grown and undergo strict quality control. 

Moissanite is available in all the same colors as diamonds graded from D (colorless) to J (near colorless). 

Moissanite’s clarity is another advantage, as lab-grown moissanite has fewer imperfections than natural diamonds.

It’s a gemstone that is consistently beautiful and free of visible inclusions that can affect the appearance of natural diamonds.

Price Comparison

One of the main reasons people choose moissanite over diamonds is the price. Moissanite is much cheaper, often 80% cheaper than a similar diamond

For example a 1 carat moissanite is $500-$800 and a similar diamond depending on quality is $3,000-$5,000. So moissanite is beauty on a budget. 

The affordability of moissanite makes it accessible to more people, so more people can enjoy the beauty of a brilliant gemstone without the big price tag of diamonds.

Compared To Other Diamond Simulants

When considering diamond simulants, you should compare moissanite to other options like cubic zirconia and white sapphire. 

Cubic zirconia is less durable and lacks the brilliance of moissanite. White sapphire is durable but doesn’t have the same sparkle. Moissanite stands out because of its brilliance, durability, and affordability

See Also:  The 5 Safest Ways To Clean Your Moissanite Ring

Plus moissanite is scratch and tarnish resistant so it’s practical for everyday wear, where as some other diamond simulants may lose their luster over time.

Why Choose Moissanite

Here are five reasons you should choose Moissanite for your jewels:

  1. Ethical and Eco-Friendly: Lab-grown, avoiding the environmental and ethical issues of diamond mining.
  2. Affordability: Costs significantly less than diamonds, making it budget-friendly.
  3. Brilliance: Higher refractive index than diamonds, resulting in exceptional sparkle.
  4. Durability: Ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
  5. Versatility: Available in various shapes and cuts, perfect for personalized jewelry.

Moissanite: Practicalities

Durability and Maintenance

Moissanite is very scratch-resistant, so it’s great for daily wear. 

However, like all gemstones, it needs care. Cleaning moissanite is easy; warm, soapy water and a soft brush will do the trick. Regular cleaning will keep your moissanite jewelry looking its best and shining bright. 

Also, avoid exposing moissanite to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the gemstone.

Availability

Moissanite is available everywhere, and many jewelers offer a wide range of jewelry

When buying, make sure you buy from a reputable source so you can guarantee the quality of the gemstone. With moissanite becoming more popular, there are more options than ever to choose from. 

Care and Maintenance

Moissanite needs proper care to keep it sparkling. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush and your gemstone will look its best. 

Don’t expose moissanite to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials and store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. 

With the right care your moissanite jewelry will last for years to come and be a treasured addition to your collection.

Investment Value

Moissanite doesn’t have the same resale value as diamonds, but it has enormous cost savings and ethical benefits. 

It’s affordable, so it’s a great investment for budget-conscious buyers. The long-term value of moissanite is in its beauty, durability, and ethical production, so it’s a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers. 

You may not be able to sell moissanite for the same price as a diamond, but the initial savings and the peace of mind that comes with an ethical purchase can be worth so much more in the long run.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

Moissanite is on the rise in the market. Consumers love its brilliance, durability, and affordability. 

Jewelers and customers alike love moissanite for its ethical sourcing and sparkle. As more people learn about moissanite, its popularity will continue to grow. 

Moissanite is part of a bigger trend towards ethical and sustainable consumerism as more people look for products that match their values and lifestyles.

Conclusion

Now that you know what is moissanite, choosing the gem offers numerous benefits, from its brilliant sparkle to its ethical production. 

You can make an informed choice for your next piece of jewelry. 

Whether you prioritize cost, ethical sourcing, or sheer beauty, moissanite is a versatile and sustainable option that doesn’t compromise elegance. 

Its growing popularity and the increasing awareness of its benefits make moissanite a gemstone worth considering for any jewelry lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moissanite A Fake Diamond?

No, moissanite is not a fake diamond. It’s a real gemstone with its own properties. While it looks like a diamond, it’s made of silicon carbide, not carbon. 

Moissanite is a gemstone in its own right with its own characteristics and benefits, which make it a popular choice for many jewelry lovers.

Is Moissanite As Good As A Diamond?

Moissanite can be as good as a diamond, depending on what you need. It has superior brilliance and high durability and is much cheaper. 

But it doesn’t have the history and cultural significance that diamonds have. 

Moissanite can be a great alternative to diamonds for those who prioritize visual appeal and ethical considerations over tradition.

Is Moissanite A Real Gemstone?

Yes, moissanite is a real gemstone. It’s made in labs from silicon carbide and is not synthetic or imitation. 

Its lab grown nature ensures quality and consistency. Unlike some other diamond alternatives that may be synthetic or artificial moissanite is a real gemstone with its own properties and beauty.

Is Moissanite Worth Anything?

Moissanite is valuable to those who love its brilliance and durability. It doesn’t have the same resale value as diamonds but offers huge cost savings and ethical benefits. 

For example, moissanite’s value is in its affordability and ethical production, so it’s a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers.