When it comes to choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewelry, diamonds have long been the quintessential choice. The elegant white sparkle is a sign of luxury, fashion, and love. However, in recent years, moissanite has emerged as a compelling alternative that rivals diamonds in brilliance and durability. Let's take a deep dive into the world of moissanite, exploring its origins, properties, and how it compares to diamonds. You can also read more about moissanite vs diamond, but we will get into the differences soon.
So, what is Moissanite?
Moissanite, a gemstone that has been gaining popularity in the jewelry industry, was discovered more than a century ago by Dr. Henri Moissan. In 1893, Dr. Moissan stumbled upon a mineral in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, which he initially believed to be diamonds. Further analysis revealed that this mineral was, in fact, silicon carbide, now known as moissanite. This remarkable discovery sparked scientific interest and eventually led to the creation of moissanite gemstones for jewelry.
Natural vs. Lab-Created Moissanite
Moissanite can be found naturally in minute quantities within meteorites or as inclusions in other minerals. However, the moissanite used in jewelry today is primarily lab-created, also known as synthetic moissanite. Lab-created moissanite is produced through a controlled process that replicates the conditions under which natural moissanite forms, resulting in gem-quality stones. These stones are made in a controlled environment, allowing them to sparkle, shine, and last longer than a natural moissanite stone.
Physical Properties of Moissanite
Moissanite possesses several unique and impressive physical properties that make it a desirable gemstone:
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Brilliance: Moissanite is renowned for its exceptional brilliance, which is even higher than that of diamonds. Its high refractive index and dispersion properties create dazzling flashes of light, commonly referred to as "fire."
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Hardness: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, moissanite scores 9.25-9.5, just slightly below the hardness of diamonds, which score a perfect 10. This makes moissanite extremely durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions.
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Color: Most moissanite gemstones are nearly colorless, with a slight yellow or green undertone. However, they can also come in various colors, such as blue, green, or gray, depending on impurities.
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Clarity: Moissanite typically has excellent clarity due to its synthetic nature, with few to no visible inclusions or blemishes.
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Fire and Dispersion: Moissanite's ability to disperse light into its spectral colors exceeds that of diamonds. This results in vibrant, colorful flashes of light, adding to its overall beauty.
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Luster: Moissanite has a captivating luster, often described as having a glass-like or diamond-like sparkle.
Differences Between Moissanite and Diamond
While moissanite shares many desirable qualities with diamonds, there are key differences between the two gemstones that can influence your choice:
1. Price:
One of the most significant advantages of moissanite is its affordability compared to diamonds. Moissanite typically costs a fraction of the price of a similar-sized diamond. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a brilliant gemstone without breaking the bank.
2. Brilliance and Sparkle:
Moissanite's brilliance and sparkle are often compared favorably to diamonds. Its higher refractive index and dispersion properties can create more colorful and intense flashes of light, which some people prefer over the subtler sparkle of diamonds. Moissanite, for example, can display more of a "rainbow" effect, while diamond is a white reflection.
3. Hardness:
While moissanite is extremely durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear, diamonds are slightly harder. However, in practical terms, the difference in hardness is minimal, and both gemstones are suitable for daily wear.
4. Color:
Diamonds come in a wide range of colors, including rare and valuable fancy colored diamonds. Moissanite, on the other hand, is typically near-colorless or exhibits a slight tint. If you prefer a completely colorless gem, you might opt for a diamond, but moissanite's color is often imperceptible to the naked eye.
5. Origin:
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years, while moissanite is created in controlled laboratory environments. Some people value the natural origin and geological history of diamonds, while others appreciate the ethical and environmental benefits of lab-created moissanite.
6. Size and Availability:
Moissanite can be synthesized in larger sizes more readily than diamonds, which are limited by natural geological processes. This means that you can find larger moissanite gemstones at a lower cost than equivalently sized diamonds.
7. Certification and Grading:
Diamonds are certified by reputable gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and come with detailed reports that provide information on the diamond's characteristics. Moissanite, while also graded by some labs, may not have the same extensive grading infrastructure as diamonds.
Why Choose Moissanite?
Choosing between moissanite and diamond ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. Here are some compelling reasons to consider moissanite as an alternative to diamonds:
1. Affordability:
Moissanite offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on beauty or quality. You can often get a larger and more brilliant moissanite for the same price as a smaller diamond.
2. Exceptional Brilliance:
If you appreciate a gemstone with intense sparkle and fire, moissanite might be the perfect choice. Its higher refractive index and dispersion properties create a stunning play of light.
3. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
Lab-created moissanite is an environmentally friendly choice, as its production does not involve mining and the associated environmental impacts. Additionally, it avoids the ethical concerns sometimes associated with the diamond industry.
4. Customization and Size:
Moissanite's availability in larger sizes and variety of shapes allows for greater customization in jewelry design. You can create unique and personalized pieces that stand out.
5. Durability:
Moissanite is highly durable and well-suited for everyday wear. It is resistant to scratches and chips, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
6. Aesthetic Preferences:
Some individuals prefer moissanite's fiery brilliance and subtle color undertones over the more subdued appearance of diamonds.
Moissanite Myths and Misconceptions
Despite its many advantages, moissanite has faced its share of misconceptions and myths:
1. "Fake" Diamond:
Moissanite is not a fake or imitation diamond. It is a distinct gemstone with its own unique properties and beauty. Technically speaking, a lab-grown moissanite stone would be a "fake" moissanite stone, but moissanite is not a fake diamond.
2. Durability Concerns:
Moissanite is highly durable and suitable for daily wear. It is not easily damaged, and it can withstand the rigors of everyday life. While moissanite is not as durable as diamond, the difference between the two is almost impossible to differentiate.
3. Lack of Scintillation:
Moissanite does exhibit scintillation, the sparkle and flashes of light that make a gemstone visually appealing. Its unique sparkle is a key selling point for many.
4. Yellow or Green Tint:
While some moissanite may exhibit a slight yellow or green tint, this is generally only noticeable in larger stones or under certain lighting conditions. Most moissanite gemstones appear near colorless.
5. It is Easy to Spot Moissanite:
To the untrained eye, moissanite and diamond will be hard to differentiate. Most people that simply glance at a moissanite wedding band wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a moissanite and diamond. The biggest giveaway will be the rainbow effect that comes off the moissanite under direct lighting.