Overview

Moissanite is truly a remarkable mineral that exudes beauty and rarity. This stunning gem is nearly colorless and boasts a brilliance that is over 2.5 times greater than that of a diamond. It is a true treasure with unique qualities and magnificence that cannot be replicated. The name "Moissanite" was given in honor of its discoverer, Henri Moissan, a French chemist who found the crystal in 1893 while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.

At first, Moissan mistook the gem for a diamond due to its resemblance. However, after 11 years of further research, he confirmed that it was actually silicon carbide. Due to its rarity, scientists have developed a way to create Moissanite in the laboratory by combining naturally occurring particles. This gemstone has a higher refractive index than diamonds and other well-known gemstones such as sapphire and ruby.

Its brilliance is unparalleled with a refractive index ranging from 2.65 to 2.69. Moreover, its dispersion or fire is simply remarkable. Moissanite has a dispersion of 0.104, which is far higher than any other gemstone. Today, Moissanite is known as the World's Most Brilliant Gemstone, and it's not hard to see why. Its unparalleled qualities make it truly one-of-a-kind and an exceptional addition to any jewelry collection. 

Why Should You Choose Moissanite?

Many people are now turning to Moissanites for their jewelry needs, and it's no surprise why. Here are just a few of the many reasons why this gemstone is becoming so popular:

Firstly, Moissanite is extremely rare in its natural form, which means that all available stones have been manufactured in a laboratory. This ensures little to no impact on the environment.

In addition to its stunning brilliance and fire, Moissanite is also an affordable option, costing only a fraction of what a diamond typically would. This means you don't have to compromise on the size of your center stone.

Moissanites are also highly durable, making them resistant to chipping and fading. This makes them a perfect choice for jewelry that can be worn every day.

Finally, Moissanites look almost identical to diamonds and are nearly impossible to tell apart with an untrained eye. So, not only are they beautiful and unique, but they also offer a fantastic value.

Properties

Hardness and strength are two essential characteristics that make Moissanite an exceptional gemstone. Pure Lab Moissanite is produced through a process that involves the heat degradation of preceramic polymer polyethylene (methylsilyne), which was first achieved by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a founding father of modern chemistry.

The crystalline structure of Moissanite is held together by strong covalent bonds that are comparable to those found in diamonds, making it one of the toughest substances known to humanity. It is long-lasting and exceptionally resistant to fracture, chipping, and scratching, among other things, with a rating of 9.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Additionally, Moissanite has a consistent color that does not shift frequently and is more heat-resistant than diamonds and other gemstones.

Although there is a slight chance of temporary color change when exposed to severe heat, Moissanite's brightness remains unchanged even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Color Quality & Grading 

It is worth noting that the majority of Moissanite available in the market today are practically colorless. However, under certain lighting conditions, there may be hints of yellow or gray in them at times. In terms of Moissanite worth, color is a significant factor, with colorless and nearly colorless types being more expensive than those that have color.

Clarity, Cuts and Shapes

It's worth mentioning that Moissanite gems sold in the market are typically free of any visible inclusions, making them eye-clean.

However, upon closer inspection under a microscope, needle-like inclusions can be observed, which are a natural result of the crystal's formation process.

Clarity is a significant factor in Moissanite, as inclusions may detract from the gem's overall visual appeal.

Moissanite is a durable gem that can be cut into any desired shape, but the brilliant round cut is the most popular option.

In addition to the round shape, it is also available in various other shapes such as oval, pear, princess, cushion, heart, and marquise, among others.

Carat 

Compared to a diamond, Moissanite has a carat weight that is 10% less dense than the latter.

Care Instructions

Moissanite is an absolutely stunning gemstone that also happens to be highly durable and long-lasting. However, like any other gemstone, it requires proper care to maintain its beauty and brilliance. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that your moissanite jewelry stays dazzling for years to come.

• When engaging in any intense physical activity, it's best to avoid wearing your moissanite jewelry, especially rings.
• Moissanite can be easily cleaned using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, as well as mild soap and water with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• It's important to store your moissanite jewelry separately from other delicate gemstones to prevent any scratching.

Lastly, it's recommended to have your moissanite jewelry checked by a skilled jeweler at least once a year to ensure that it's in good condition and to catch any potential issues early on.

Conclusion 

To conclude, it is undeniable that Moissanite is an exceptional gemstone that stands out for its unparalleled brilliance and fire. Its refractive index surpasses that of diamonds by over 2.5 times, and it was initially discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893.

This nearly colorless treasure is a true testament to modern science, and as a lab-created gemstone, it is genuinely extraordinary in terms of rarity and magnificence. Moissanite's dispersion is unmatched in the realm of gemstones, measuring at 0.104 and endowing it with a mesmerizing play of colors. Its ethical sourcing, affordability, and exceptional durability have contributed to its popularity among jewelry enthusiasts seeking a stunning alternative to diamonds.

Choosing Moissanite means investing in a gemstone of exquisite beauty that will last a lifetime. As the world increasingly embraces this unique gem, Moissanite solidifies its position as a true wonder, adorning jewelry collections with its captivating brilliance for generations to come.