Probably the moissanite not on your list of known or favorite gemstones. But, the truth is that this has caught the attention of many. Becoming a great option for those who plan to get married. But despite its growing popularity, few know about this beautiful stone, which emerged as an alternative to expensive diamonds. Do you want to know everything about the moissanite in jewelry? Keep reading! We will tell you what you need to know about this stone.
What is the origin of moissanite?
Moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona and was named in his honor. Moissan initially believed they were diamonds, but later realized that it was a unique rock.
This stone is extremely rare in nature, so much so that all moissanite on the market is created in the laboratory. Incredible! This naturally occurring stone is only found in a few places. In the rocks of the upper mantle of the Earth and mainly in meteorites. Its connection to outer space is why this stone is known as a ‘space diamond’ or ‘stardust’.
What is moissanite made of?
Moissanite is made from the mineral silicon carbide. Strong covalent bonding holds the crystal structure together, similar to diamonds. This is the reason why this stone is very hard and capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures.
So is moissanite a diamond?
Many people often get confused, and ask for a «diamond of moissanite” for your jewelry. But, it is not a diamond. Although they may have a resemblance. These two stones are very different in almost every aspect.
On the other hand, many people mistakenly believe that moissanite is a fake gemstone. And the untrue thing is that it is a stone in its own right that looks like a diamond. In other words, it is similar to a diamond, not an imitation diamond.
So a gem of moissanite High quality and well crafted, it is as elegant and sophisticated as any other gemstone.
Moissanite Characteristics
Hardness
The moissanite, after diamonds, is the hardest gemstone used in jewelry on Earth. In fact, it is one of the most resistant substances in the world. It has a classification of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It is much harder than stones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, and an excellent choice for everyday wear. Since it is very resistant to scratches or breaks. Will not chip or cut easily. It can withstand high temperatures and still keep its shine.
Clarity
Because moissanites are created in the lab, there is a lot of control over the final product. They often have small threadlike inclusions that form during the stone creation process. However, these defects are generally only visible under magnification.
carat size
It is denser than diamonds, which means it is heavier. If you compare both stones of the same carat weight, the moissanite will look slightly smaller.
Brightness
Moissanite has exceptional brilliance and is one of the brightest gemstones. Large moissanites have what is known as the ‘rainbow effect’, which is a fiery, colorful flash of color when the stone is viewed under light, especially in natural light. Because they have a very high refractive index.
Color
It has three categories of colors: colorless, almost colorless and slightly tinted. Colorless gemstones are the most desirable. This stone tends to have green, yellow, or brown tinges, so it is important to look at the stone carefully before purchasing to make sure it does not contain any undesirable colors. If you are looking for colored moissanite, it can be hard to find.
Moissanite in jewelry
This stone is ideal for use in any type of jewelry and suits a variety of styles. Due to its intense shine, it is beautiful when you want to dress up and add some glamour. Under the lights, these shine beautifully.
The main advantage of this stone in jewelry is its resemblance to diamonds. So you can find jewelry from moissanitevery similar to the diamond ones, but at a much lower price.
Moissanite Engagement Rings
While moissanites are great in all kinds of jewelry. Many couples are taking this stone as an option for their engagement rings. From a practical point of view, crystals of moissanite they are durable, affordable and beautiful. The best thing is that they are looking for originality, this precious stone is ideal since it is not among the classic and traditional stones. In fact, they are quite avant-garde and very modern. Cool!
Natural light moissanite engagement ring. Photo of Mujeresliebres in Wikimedia. CC BY-SA 3.0
Similarly, moissanite is perfect for any type of ring setting. They do not require a protection on their setting, as they are durable enough. Also, just like a diamond, they work with any color of metal, be it yellow, rose or white gold.
What is the best moissanite cut?
Moissanites can be cut into any common gemstone shape, but the most popular is the round brilliant cut. This classic cut tends to maximize the beauty of the stone and is also extremely versatile to use.
moissanite price
While moissanite is often chosen as an alternative to diamonds, don’t expect it to be cheap. It is a comparatively affordable gemstone, however high quality moissanite can still command high prices. It takes a laborious process, plus it consumes a lot of resources to create it, so it can be cheap.
Moissanite prices can vary by brand and quality, but in general, a 1-carat colorless stone averages around $600.
How to clean moissanite jewelry?
Due to its durability, moissanite is an easy to maintain stone. Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime can result in a cloudy or dull looking gemstone. However, washing moissanite with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water is the best way to restore its shine. It is important that you prevent aggressive chemicals from coming into contact with the moissanite.