Moissanite Education

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by French Chemist and Nobel Prize winner, Henri Moissan. He came across the fiery, brilliant crystals while examining fragments of a meteorite that had crashed into the earth tens of thousands of years prior, creating what is now known as “Meteor Crater” in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Moissan originally believed that the shimmering crystals were diamonds until 1904 when he concluded that they were, in fact, silicon carbide.This new gem was as rare as it was beautiful and scientists began attempting to synthesize it in the early 1900’s. The process was finally perfected almost a century later and engineered Moissanite was introduced in the jewelry market in 1998. It is now regarded as a wonderful diamond alternative due to its scintillating appearance and durability.

Moissanite Benefits

DURABILITY

Moissanite measures a 9.25 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale making it one of the hardest existing materials and an extremely suitable gem for everyday engagement ring wear.

SPARKLE

Moissanites and Diamonds differ in brilliance. Moissanites have a higher refractive index than a diamond giving them a more intense sparkle. Their BRI (brilliance refractive index) ranges from 2.65 – 2.69 while a diamonds BRI is around 2.42.

FIRE

Moissanites have more fire than any other gemstone including diamonds. The term fire refers to the rainbow or prism of colors that occur once a white light enters the stone and is reflected back out.

VALUE

Moissanites cost substantially less per carat than Diamonds.

ECO-FRIENDLY

Moissanites are lab-grown which lessens their environmental impact.

Moissanite FAQ’s

Can a moissanite chip, scratch or break?

Yes, all gemstones, including diamonds, can chip, scratch or break. It would, however, be extremely rare for this to occur due to the extreme hardness of a moissanite (9.25 on the Moh's Hardness Scale!). The moissanites we sell are covered for free replacement in the rare event that it ever chips, scratches or breaks.

Are Moissanites a Simulated Diamond?

No, Moissanites are not simulated diamonds. They are their own specific gemstone that possesses specific properties that allow them to reflect light better than diamonds. Unlike simulated diamonds, moissanites are suitable for everyday wear due to their extremely high ranking of 9.25 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale. Simulated diamonds typically rank around 8.5 making them easier to damage.

Why are Moissanites discussed in millimeter size rather than carat weight?

Moissanites are typically compared to diamonds, however, they weigh approximately 10% less. For instance, a diamond that measures 6.5mm wide weighs approximately 1 carat and a moissanite that measures 6.5mm weighs approximately .88ct. Most consumers are familiar with diamond carat weights and their correlating visual size. For that reason, jewelers describe moissanites in their diamond equivalent weight and millimeter size.