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Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC) and is known for its exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability. It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, who found microscopic particles of the gem in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, these crystals were later identified as silicon carbide.
Due to its rarity in nature, moissanite available in the market today is primarily lab-created. Through a process of synthesis, scientists have been able to recreate and produce moissanite gemstones, making them more widely accessible.
Moissanite is often used in jewelry as an alternative to diamonds. It has a similar appearance to diamonds but differs in terms of composition and properties. While diamonds are composed of carbon, moissanite is composed of silicon and carbon. Despite these differences, moissanite has gained popularity for its impressive sparkle and affordability compared to diamonds.
Durability
Moissanite is extremely durable, tough and second only to diamond in its resistance to scratching and abrasion. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Brilliance
The most dominant feature of moissanite is its brilliance. When we refer to the brilliance of moissanite, we’re also referring to its sparkle. Known for its high refractive index of 2.65, moissanite is quantifiably the most brilliant gemstone on earth!
Fire (Dispersion)
One of the most distinguishable elements of a moissanite gemstone is its fire or dispersion. Dispersion is caused as light radiates through the gemstone on different wavelengths—each wavelength produces beautiful flashes of color throughout the gemstone.
Moissanite Vs Diamond
Moissanite, composed of silicon carbide, offers remarkable brilliance and affordability, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale. In contrast, diamonds, composed of pure carbon, are renowned for their exceptional brilliance, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and rarity, making them a symbol of luxury.
|
Property |
Moissanite |
Diamond |
|
Composition |
Silicon carbide (SiC) |
Carbon (C) |
|
Brilliance & Fire |
High, often more colorful |
Exceptionally high |
|
Hardness (Mohs scale) |
9.25 (second only to diamond) |
10 (the hardest) |
|
Cost |
Affordable |
Expensive |
|
Color Grading |
Near colorless |
Colorless |
|
Clarity |
Typically eye-clean |
Generally high clarity |
|
Origin |
Lab-created and rare natural |
Mined from the Earth |
|
Ethical & Environmental |
Ethical and eco-friendly |
Environmental concerns |
|
Durability |
Very durable |
Extremely durable |
|
Rarity |
Relatively abundant |
Rarest natural gemstone |
Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia
Moissanite, with its silicon carbide composition and high brilliance, stands as an affordable yet stunning choice for jewelry. Cubic Zirconia (CZ), made of zirconium dioxide, shares its brilliance but is more affordable, with a Mohs hardness typically ranging from 8 to 8.5, making it a popular and cost-effective alternative.
FUN FACT
Moissanites are much more heat resistant compared to most of the other gemstones in the world. It can withstand upto 2000 degrees celsius!
|
Property |
Moissanite |
Diamond |
|
Composition |
Silicon carbide (SiC) |
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) |
|
Brilliance & Fire |
High, often more colorful |
High |
|
Hardness (Mohs scale) |
9.25 (second only to diamond) |
8-8.5 |
|
Cost |
Affordable |
Cheap |
|
Color Grading |
Near colorless |
Can have color |
|
Clarity |
Typically eye-clean |
Varies |
|
Origin |
Lab-created and rare natural |
Lab-created |
|
Ethical & Environmental |
Ethical and eco-friendly |
Few environmental concerns |
|
Durability |
Very durable |
Durable |
|
Rarity |
Relatively abundant |
Common |
Should I buy moissanite?
Whether you should buy moissanite depends on your preferences and budget. Moissanite offers an affordable and ethical alternative to diamonds without compromising on beauty and durability. It's a great choice for engagement rings, jewelry, and gifts.
