What is Moissanite diamonds ?
Moissanite is a gemstone that closely resembles a diamond but is chemically and structurally different. It is made of silicon carbide (SiC), whereas diamonds are composed of pure carbon. The term "moissanite diamond" is often used to describe moissanite gemstones because of their diamond-like appearance.
Here are some key points about moissanite:
- Appearance: Moissanite is known for its brilliance and sparkle. It has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it can exhibit more fire (the dispersion of light into various colors). This makes it look even more dazzling than diamonds in some lighting conditions.
- Hardness: Moissanite is very hard—second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness. It ranks 9.25, while diamond is 10. This makes moissanite a durable option for jewelry that can withstand daily wear.
- Origin: Natural moissanite is extremely rare and was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. However, most moissanite gemstones used in jewelry today are lab-created, making them more affordable than diamonds.
- Cost: Moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds, typically costing 10-20% of the price of a diamond of similar size and appearance.
- Environmental Impact: Moissanite is lab-created, which means it can be a more sustainable option compared to mined diamonds, which have a larger environmental and ethical footprint.
- Differences from Diamonds: While they look similar, moissanite is slightly less colorless than diamonds, typically showing a hint of warmth, especially in larger stones. Moissanite's brilliance also tends to be more noticeable, leading some people to prefer the unique sparkle it offers.
In short, moissanite is a stunning, affordable, and durable alternative to diamonds, particularly for engagement rings or other fine jewelry.