What is Moissanite?
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide (SiC). It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in Arizona, found within a meteorite crater. While natural moissanite is incredibly rare, the vast majority of moissanite used in jewellery today is lab-grown in controlled environments.
Though it looks similar to a diamond, moissanite is chemically and structurally different. Diamonds are made of pure carbon, while moissanite is silicon carbide. This difference in composition gives moissanite its own unique set of characteristics.
Benefits of Moissanite
Moissanite has gained significant popularity, particularly as a diamond alternative, due to several compelling benefits:
- Exceptional Brilliance and "Fire": Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it bends and disperses light more effectively. This results in a remarkable sparkle and a distinctive "rainbow fire" effect, often appearing more brilliant than a diamond.
- Outstanding Durability: Ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness (with diamonds at a perfect 10), moissanite is incredibly tough and resistant to scratches, chipping, and abrasion. This makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings.
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Affordability: Moissanite is significantly more affordable than diamonds of comparable size and quality. This allows you to get a larger, more visually stunning stone for a fraction of the cost, making it a popular option for those on a budget.
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Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Since nearly all moissanite is lab-grown, it's considered an ethical and eco-friendly choice. Its production avoids the environmental and social concerns often associated with traditional mining practices.
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Longevity: Moissanite is designed to last a lifetime. It won't lose its sparkle, become cloudy, or change colour over time with proper care.
- Thermal Resistance: Moissanite can withstand very high temperatures without damage, a useful property during jewellery setting and repairs.
Moissanite offers a beautiful, durable, and affordable alternative to diamonds, providing brilliant sparkle with an ethical footprint.
