Moissanite FAQs
Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide, found in extremely limited quantities on Earth.
Due to its scarcity in nature, moissanite is primarily created in laboratories to produce crystals large enough for gemstone cutting. Once expertly cut and faceted, moissanite is celebrated as the most brilliant gem in the world, renowned for its exceptional fire and brilliance.
Where Does Moissanite Come From?
Moissanite, a rare mineral scientifically known as silicon carbide, was first identified by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan. It was discovered at the site of a massive meteorite impact in Arizona, sparking intrigue with its celestial origin. To honor Dr. Moissan's groundbreaking work, this remarkable gemstone was aptly named "moissanite."
How Is Moissanite Made?
In the late 1990s, scientists pioneered an advanced thermal growing process to cultivate silicon carbide crystals in a controlled laboratory setting. These lab-created crystals are meticulously cut and faceted into moissanite gemstones, showcasing a fire and brilliance that rivals even the finest natural gems.
How Long Does Moissanite Last?
Moissanite is exceptionally durable, ranking second only to diamond on the Mohs hardness scale for hardness and scratch resistance. Its toughness makes it perfect for everyday wear, ensuring the gemstone retains its beauty and brilliance for a lifetime.
What Is Moissanite Brilliance?
Moissanite's brilliance refers to its exceptional sparkle. Its unique chemical structure allows it to slow, bend, and redirect light more effectively than any other gemstone. With a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, moissanite surpasses all other gems in brilliance, making it the most radiant stone in the world.
What Is Moissanite Fire?
Moissanite gemstones are celebrated for their extraordinary fire, or dispersion, which refers to a gem's ability to break light into a vibrant spectrum of colors. Moissanite boasts a higher fire than any other gemstone, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, making it uniquely captivating with its rainbow-like brilliance.
Why Is Moissanite So Expensive?
Moissanite is a remarkable gemstone that offers exceptional beauty at a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds. Despite its affordability, the price of moissanite reflects the precision and quality of its production. Created in advanced laboratories, each moissanite is meticulously grown and then hand-cut and faceted by skilled artisans using patented technology. This process ensures that only the finest, most brilliant gems meet our standards.
Is Moissanite Lab-Created?
Naturally occurring moissanite is incredibly rare, first discovered by Henri Moissan within the remnants of a meteorite crater. Today, thanks to advanced technology, moissanite is now grown in laboratories through innovative crystal-growing processes. These lab-created gems are chemically, physically, and optically identical to those found in nature, offering the same stunning qualities without the rarity of naturally occurring moissanite.
Is Moissanite as Good as a Diamond?
Moissanite is a one-of-a-kind gemstone with its own distinct chemical, physical, and optical properties. Though frequently compared to diamonds, moissanite stands out with unique qualities, including unmatched fire and brilliance that surpass diamonds. Offered at a fraction of the cost, moissanite often provides superior quality and value compared to mined diamonds, making it a popular choice for those seeking beauty and affordability without compromise.
What's the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamonds?
To the unaided eye, the most noticeable differences between moissanite and diamonds are their fire and brilliance. Moissanite exhibits greater fire than diamonds, producing a vivid rainbow effect when light passes through it. Additionally, moissanite outshines diamonds in brilliance, delivering an exceptional sparkle that enhances its visual appeal.
Is Moissanite graded on the GIA Diamond Color Grading Scale?
Moissanite grading follows a color scale similar to the GIA diamond grading system. There are three grades of moissanite available today: colorless (D-E-F range), near-colorless (G-H range) and with faint hues of color (J-K range).
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds the Same as Moissanite?
Naturally occurring moissanite is very rare, first discovered by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater. Today, scientists have developed methods to grow moissanite crystals in the lab that are identical to the natural version, both chemically and optically. These lab-grown gems offer the same brilliance and durability at a more affordable price.
How Can you Tell If Moissanite Is Good Quality?
The quality of moissanite, like any gemstone, is determined by its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Well-cut stones maximize brilliance and fire. Higher quality moissanite is clear and flawless, making it more valuable.
Are Moissanite Rings Worth It?
Moissanite stands out for its exceptional brilliance and fire, offering a stunning sparkle comparable to that of diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. With its remarkable durability, moissanite is perfect for everyday wear and is built to last a lifetime. So, is moissanite worth the investment? Absolutely—its beauty, strength, and affordability make it a wise and valuable choice for those seeking an elegant yet practical gemstone.
Do Moissanite Rings Last As Long As Diamonds?
Moissanite is an exceptionally durable gem, ranking 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones available. This remarkable toughness ensures that moissanite can withstand daily wear and retain its beauty over time, similar to diamonds. Thanks to its resilience, it remains an ideal choice for engagement rings and other pieces worn frequently.