Overview
Moissanite is a mineral that is both exceedingly beautiful and highly uncommon. This near-colorless gem, which is over 2.5 times more brilliant than a diamond, has unique qualities and magnificence that distinguish it as a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The name "Moissanite" was derived from the French chemist Henri Moissan, who discovered the mineral in 1893. The researcher found this crystal while looking through rock samples taken from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Due to its resemblance to Diamonds, he mistook the stone to be a diamond. After 11 years, he managed to identify the substance to be silicon carbide.
Because of the rarity of this gem, scientists were compelled to develop a method of creating it in the Laboratory by combining particles of naturally occurring Moissanite.
This gemstone has a higher refractive index than the refractive index of a diamond and other well-known gemstones such as sapphire and ruby. The brilliance of a gem is determined by its refractive index, and with a refractive index ranging from 2.65 to 2.69, Moissanite outshines all other gemstones. In addition, its dispersion (fire), which refers to the spectrum (rainbow) colors that reflect when light penetrates a non-opaque object, can be described in the same way. Moissanite has a dispersion of 0.104, which is far higher than any other gemstone.
Moissanite today is termed or well known to be the World's Most Brilliant Gemstone.
Why Should You Choose Moissanite?
There are numerous reasons why Moissanites are rapidly gaining popularity among the general public, some of which are listed below:
Moissanite in its natural form is extremely rare, and as a result, all the stones now available were manufactured in a laboratory. As a result, they have little or no influence on the environment.
In addition to having extraordinary brilliance and fire, this magnificent stone is inexpensive, costing only a fraction of what a diamond would typically cost; hence there is no compromising on the size of your center stone.
They are highly durable and are resistant to chipping and fading. This makes them an excellent choice for jewelry that can be worn regularly.
The gorgeous Moissanite is so similar in appearance to diamonds that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two with an untrained eye.
Properties
Hardness and strength are two essential characteristics.
It is possible to produce pure Lab Moissanite through a procedure involving the heat degradation of preceramic polymer polyethylene (methylsilyne). Jöns Jacob Berzelius, one of the founding fathers of modern chemistry, was the first to succeed in this endeavor.
The crystalline structure of this gem does not require the use of a binding matrix, and it is held together by strong covalent bonds that are comparable to those found in diamonds to maintain its shape. Because of this feature, Moissanite is one of the most challenging substances known to humanity. It is long-lasting and exceptionally resistant to fracture, chipping, and scratching, among other things. The strength of this diamond is extremely noteworthy, as indicated by its rating of 9.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
This gemstone has a consistent color that does not shift frequently. In addition, it should be highlighted that experiments have been conducted to demonstrate that Moissanites are more heat-resistant than a variety of gemstones, including diamonds. Even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, the brightness of Moissanite remained unchanged.
When exposed to severe heat, there is a slight chance that the stones might temporarily change in color, but will revert to their original color after the heat has been removed.
Quality & Grading Color
The vast majority of Moissanite on the market today are virtually colorless. However, in some lighting conditions, they might be seen to have overtones of yellow or gray in them at times. When it comes to moissanite value, color plays an essential role, with colorless and near-colorless varieties commanding a higher price than colored ones.
Clarity
Moissanite sold in the market is typically eye-clean, indicating that they do not include any inclusions apparent to the naked eye. When examined under a microscope, though, you may notice needle-like inclusions that naturally result from the crystal's development process. Clarity is determined by studying the inclusions in Moissanite, which may have the ability to detract from the gem's visual beauty.
Moissanite is a hard gem that may be cut into any shape of your choice wish, but the brilliant round cut is the most common shape for this gem. It is also available in various forms, including oval, pear, princess, cushion, heart, and marquise, to name a few instances.
Carat
Compared to a diamond, this gem has a carat weight that is 10% less than the latter.
Care Instructions
Moissanite is a stunningly gorgeous gemstone that is also highly tough and long-lasting. It does, however, require the same kind of care as any other gemstone. To ensure that it continues to dazzle for many years to come, keep the following suggestions in mind.
- When participating in any vigorous exercise, it is best not to wear your moissanite jewelry (particularly rings).
- Moissanite can be cleaned using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
- Mild soap and water and a soft-bristle toothbrush can also be used to clean it.
- Moissanite jewelry should be stored away from other soft gemstones since they might scratch other delicate ones.
- Have your moissanite jewelry checked by a skilled jeweler at least once a year, if not more.
- Have your moissanite jewelry checked by a skilled jeweler at least once a year, if not more.