About Mossanite
Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Often referred to as the gemstone from the stars, it was discovered in 1893 inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Initially mistakenly identifying his discovery as diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined the crystals were, in fact, silicon carbide. This naturally occurring mineral form of what we now call moissanite was named in honour of Moissan later in his life.
In its natural form, moissanite remains very rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found it outside of meteorites: first, in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming, and then, the following year, as inclusions in rock in Russia.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment with advanced technology, it is easily traceable and requires no mining. This means moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and lessened environmental impact than a naturally mined gem.
Increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is now widely used in jewelry, especially as the center stone of engagement rings.
Moissanite Vs. Natural Diamonds
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamonds, the hardest known naturally occurring mineral, are a 10 on the Mohs scale.Moissanites are at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.Both of these minerals are exceptionally durable and can withstand surface scratching, immense pressure and friction without damage.
Brilliance
Brilliance refers to the appearance of light reflected from the gemstone's interior.
Moissanites are slightly more brilliant than diamonds, though they feature more than twice the amount of fire. If a moissanite is larger than 1 carat, the difference in fire can be very noticeable as it has a refractive index of 2.64 to 2.69. Natural diamonds are slightly less brilliant than moissanite and feature two times less fire. The refractive index of diamonds ranges from 2.417 to 2.419.
Color
Color is the presence or absence of color visible within a gemstone.
Most moissanites can now be grown as colorless or near colorless, they are also created in hues of teal, grey, green, yellow, and black.Natural diamonds occur in the colorless range, but they also occur in many colors, including pink, blue, and yellow from trace elements like nitrogen and boron.
Price
A natural moissanite stone is considerably lighter than a diamond and therefore does not abide by the same laws of diamond price indexes. Instead, they are priced by size and color, while a diamond's price is decided by the "Four Cs," carat weight, color, cut and clarity. This distinction makes moissanite an affordable alternative to diamond engagement rings — especially when a customer is shopping for a larger, budget-friendly stone.
Can you tell the difference a Moissanite from a Diamond ?
If you are not trained in the differences between diamond and moissanite, telling the difference can be difficult.
Moissanite rings make excellent alternatives to traditional diamonds because they are cheaper and more brilliant.Also, moissanite and other lab-created gems might be more environmentally friendly than some diamonds, including those known as "blood diamonds." These gems are mined with slave labor, deadly working conditions and unregulated trade practices, while moissanite stones, on the other hand, are made in labs.