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Facts About Moissanite
The jewellery world is abuzz with the word ‘moissanite’ these days, especially when it comes to engagement rings. Essentially, moissanite is the closest possible alternative to real diamond; so close that even expert jewellers can’t tell the difference sometimes.
Probably the question we get the most: What is Moissanite?
Mineral moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 while examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona in 1893. At first, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds, but in 1904 he identified the crystals as silicon carbide. The mineral form of silicon carbide was named moissanite in honor of Moissan later on in his life
The quantities of natural moissanite found on earth is very limited and insufficient to create jewelry.
It is also very expensive. As a result, all moissanite found on the market today is lab-created. Moissanite is truly a gemstone born from the stars and is not a diamond simulant or a synthetic diamond – it is an affordable alternative to a diamond and a jewel in its very own right.
Does Moissanite come in different colours:
Indeed it does, from fancy colours like green, yellow and even pink, the white moissanite is available in two colour ranges. D-E-F (Colorless) or G-H-I (Near Colorless)
While white moissanites are labeled as “colorless”, the gems can still project a yellow (warmish) or blueish (icy) hue in certain lights. The larger the moissanite, the more noticeable the color.
Moissanite clarity varies from IF – VS. Inclusions in Moissanite are not like inclusions within other gemstones. Instead of dark/carbon spots that block light, Moissanite inclusions are mostly caused by micropipes (the lack of material) which is invisible to the naked eye and very difficult to see under a microscope .
What makes Moissanite sparkle?
The fire, brilliance and sparkle that are so characteristic of Moissanite is due to its high refractive index of 2.42. The higher the refractive index of a gemstone, the more fire it emits. Measuring Moissanite’s fire of 0.104, it is more than twice that of a Diamond, which measures 0.044. Simply, when comparing them side by side, Moissanite emits more fire, or flashes of rainbow coloured light, than a Diamond.
Dispersion and fire
As light passes through an object, the light is spread out according to its wavelengths (colour). This dispersion of light can be scientifically measured. A gemstones “fire” is caused by its dispersion. The exceptional sparkle of Moissanite is due to Moissanites’ high RI. The higher the Refractive Index of a gemstone is, the more sparkle and brilliance it will display. Moissanite has a higher RI and displays more brilliance when compared to a Diamond or any other popular gemstone, such as rubies and sapphires.
Where does Moissanite come from – is it a natural stone or is it man made?
Natural Moissanite does occur, but found in tiny, limited quantities or as minute particles in the earth and rare crystals. The amount of naturally occurring gem quality Moissanite is so rare that there would not be enough material to create one pair of solitaire earrings.
Where did the name Moissanite come from?
Discovered in 1893 by French Nobel Prize-winner, Dr. Henri Moissan, the jewel was later named in his honour.
What colours are available?
Diamond Colour comparison: D-E-F and G-H-I.
Does Moissanite scratch easily?
No. Moissanite is extremely scratch and abrasion resistant. Moissanite is 9 ¼ on the Mohs scale and is the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery after a Diamond.
Can Moissanite break easily?
No. Moissanite is one of the toughest jewels known and is harder than all other gemstones (excluding Diamond) including ruby and sapphire. Based on measurable scientific studies in high pressure research, Moissanite is extremely resistant to breaking and chipping. This is probably one of the biggest facts about moissanite that our customers love.