Moissanite: Dazzling, Synthetic Perfection
Is it a diamond, or is it moissanite? Many people have been surprised to find out that the incredibly brilliant stone they were looking at was moissanite, a synthetic creation that resembles a diamond. Moissanite offers an attractive alternative to diamonds.
While diamonds have long been thought of as being a superior stone (they still are—no gemstone is harder) and as being a girl’s best friend, moissanite is relatively new to the jewelry scene.
Moissanite was first found in 1893. In 1905, it was named after Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan, a French scientist who discovered this substance (silicon carbide) inside of the remains of meteoric rocks. Dr. Moissan later became a Nobel Prize winner. The amount of silicon carbide that was found was not even enough to create a single piece of jewelry. Moissanite, or silicon carbide, only occurs naturally (in tiny amounts) inside of some meteorites.
Charles and Colvard, Ltd., in 1998, obtained all patents for the manufacturing of moissanite and using it as a gemstone in jewelry. The company uses a thermal growing process to create the moissanite stone. All moissanite that is sold in stores is lab-created, or synthetic.
Moissanite is a very hard stone (harder than cubic zirconia, rubies, or sapphires). It measures a nine on the Mohs scale, compared to a diamond’s measure of ten, which is the hardest stone in existence. Even though it is not quite as hard as a diamond, moissanite is more heat-resistant. Additionally, its flash and brilliance are more intense than a diamond’s.
Before moissanite became available, cubic zirconia was the most popular diamond imitation on the market. Cubic zirconia is still an attractive alternative to a diamond, but moissanite is quickly gaining in popularity as a stone to use in jewelry, especially for pendants and engagement rings, and is available in many common cuts. Moissanite is not as expensive as diamonds, but it does cost more than cubic zirconia.
Differentiating between diamonds and moissanite can be tricky. Not all conventional testing methods will work. Polariscopes or ultraviolet lamps give more accurate results. When placed under ultraviolet lights or against a white background, moissanite, which is usually colorless, shows hints of yellow, green, or grey. Moissanite is a double-refracting stone, whereas a diamond is single-refracting. If you’re still not sure you have a diamond or moissanite, weigh it— diamonds are heavier.
Whether you call moissanite silicon carbide, synthetic moissanite, or simply a diamond imitation, you will get a stone that is amazingly attractive. It will dazzle and sparkle and get you noticed.
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