What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a mineral made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. He initially mistook it for diamonds, but by 1904, he correctly identified it as silicon carbide. Later in his life, the mineral was named moissanite in his honor.
In its natural state, moissanite is quite rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found it outside of meteorites, first in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming and then as inclusions in rock in Russia the following year.
Today, moissanite is primarily lab-grown, offering a sustainable alternative to diamonds. Produced in controlled environments using advanced technology, lab-grown moissanite is traceable and requires no mining, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact.
Increasingly popular as a diamond alternative, moissanite is widely used in jewelry, particularly as the centerpiece of engagement rings.
What is the difference between moissanite & diamond?
Is moissanite a diamond. No moissanite and diamond are not the same. Moissanite and diamond are both popular gemstones with key differences.
Composition: Diamonds are made of carbon, while moissanite is composed of silicon carbide.
Origin: Diamonds can be naturally formed or lab-created, whereas the vast majority of moissanite on the market is lab-grown. Although have been found naturally occurring on earth.
Hardness: Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest material, while moissanite is rated 9.25, making both resistant to scratching.
Brilliance: Moissanite has more "fire" (color dispersion) than diamonds, resulting in a unique sparkle. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.64 to 2.69, where diamond has a refractive index of 2.417 to 2.419. A higher refractive index typically results in greater brilliance and a more vibrant sparkle, as it causes light to bend more sharply within the stone. This is why moissanite often appears more sparkly than diamonds and why some people choose it over diamonds.
Environmental Impact: Moissanite typically has a lower environmental impact since it’s lab-grown, while diamond mining can be more destructive. Although, as the market shifts to lab-grown diamonds they are also have a lower environmental impact.
These differences make each gemstone appealing to various preferences and values among consumers.
