Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that resembles a diamond. It was discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He found tiny particles of the gem in a meteorite crater in Arizona, initially mistaking them for diamonds. However, he later discovered they were made of silicon carbide.
Today, moissanite is synthesized from the particles he discovered and is widely used as a diamond simulant. Moissanite is more durable than other gemstones, with a Mohs hardness score of 9.25, but less hard than a diamond's 10.
Moissanite has a unique brilliance that can sometimes appear as a "disco ball" effect, especially in sunlight. The color of moissanite can have a yellow or gray hue, especially in larger gems.
Moissanite is less expensive than diamonds, and its laboratory origins result in a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental impact. Moissanite is available in Premium and Super Premium grades, with the latter being colorless, similar to a D-F on the 4 C's scale.
Moissanite looks beautiful with diamond accents in jewelry and is a responsible choice for those seeking an eco-conscious gemstone.
|