Moissanite

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan while he was examining fragments of a meteorite that landed in the Arizona desert. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, composed of silicon carbide. The mineral is incredibly rare, and its natural occurrence is limited to microscopic crystals found in some rocks and meteorites.

Due to its rarity, scientists began working on creating synthetic Moissanite in the 1990s. The high cost of creating the stone and the lengthy process hindered mass production until the mid-2000s when the process became more efficient.

Moissanite possesses superior qualities compared to diamonds due to its physical attributes. It has a higher refractive index, which means that it reflects more light, providing more sparkle and brilliance. Moissanite has a much higher rated hardness on the Mohs scale, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear. Diamonds are rated at ten on the scale, while Moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25.

Another advantage of Moissanite is that it’s significantly less expensive than diamonds. A high-quality Moissanite stone can cost up to 90% less than the cost of a diamond of the same size and quality. This makes Moissanite an excellent alternative for those who want a beautiful gemstones without breaking the bank.

Moissanite stone is also an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. The mining of diamonds has a troubled history, including conflicts, the exploitation of workers, and environmental impacts. In contrast, Moissanite is created in a lab under ethical conditions, without any significant environmental damage.

Moissanite is available in various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry pieces. When choosing a Moissanite, it’s essential to consider the quality of the stone. High-quality stones will have a higher grade of cut, color, and clarity.

The cut of a Moissanite is critical to its beauty as it affects how much light the stone reflects. A well-cut Moissanite will exhibit more brilliant and fire. The color of the stone is a crucial factor in determining its quality, and the ideal color rating is near-colorless or colorless. A clear and colorless Moissanite will appear more diamond-like, while a yellow or brown-toned stone will appear less attractive.

Clarity refers to the number and size of the inclusions within the stone. Moissanite stones have fewer inclusions, making them an excellent alternative to diamonds.

In conclusion, Moissanite is an excellent alternative to diamonds for those looking for a quality, durable, and affordable stone. With superior hardness, brilliance, and ethical attributes, Moissanite is quickly becoming a preferred choice for jewelry. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or an everyday piece, Moissanite is a beautiful and sustainable option.