What is Moissanite? Many people have asked this question numerous times, but everyone still has no clear answer. Moissanite is a unique and beautiful gemstone discovered in 1893 by Dr. Henri Moissan.
Dr. Moissan found the mineral while searching for diamonds in a meteor crater in Arizona. Although Moissanite displays many of the same characteristics as diamonds, it is not a diamond. This blog post will take a closer look at what Moissanite is and explore some of its most common uses. So, what is Moissanite? Let's find out!
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone that was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, after he found it in a meteor crater. While studying a meteor crater in Arizona, Moissan found tiny crystals that were later determined to be composed of silicon carbide.
Although silicon carbide had been synthesized in a laboratory by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1789, this was the first time it had been found naturally occurring on Earth. Moissan initially believed that the crystals were diamonds, but further study revealed that they were a new mineral species.
Today, Moissanite is used as a gemstone and as an industrial abrasive. It continues to be found in meteor craters, but these crystals are typically too small to be cut and faceted for use as jewelry. Instead, Moissanite is produced synthetically in laboratories. The history of Moissanite began with its discovery in a meteor crater, but this unique crystal has since found many applications on Earth.
The History Of Moissanite
The history of Moissanite begins with its namesake, Dr. Henri Moissan. In 1893, while studying a meteor crater in Diablo Canyon, Arizona, Moissan discovered tiny crystals that he believed to be diamonds. Upon further examination, he realized that these crystals were not diamonds but a new mineral named silicon carbide.
Over the next few years, Moissan continued collecting silicon carbide samples from across the globe. In 1904, he succeeded in isolating the element silicon from one of his samples, and in 1905 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work.
Although silicon carbide had been known for over a century, it wasn't until the late 20th century that scientists began to explore its potential as a gemstone. In the 1980s, two American scientists, Dr. Charles and Marilyn Hausman began working on ways to create synthetic Moissanite. In 1995, they succeeded in creating the world's first artificial Moissanite gemstone. Today, Moissanite is prized for its beauty, durability, and affordability, and it has become a popular alternative to diamonds.
The Properties Of Moissanite
Moissanite is a beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to diamonds. It was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals of the mineral in a meteor crater.
Today, Moissanite is created in laboratories and has become increasingly popular as a choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Here are some of the properties that make Moissanite an attractive option:
Moissanite is tough, scoring nine on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are 10). This makes it highly resistant to scratching and wear, meaning that your moissanite jewelry will retain its beauty for many years.
Moissanite is also significantly more brilliant than diamonds. Its high refractive index disperses light into rainbow colors more than any other gemstone. Moissanite is so sparkly that it's often used as a diamond simulant in costume jewelry.
Lastly, Moissanite is an eco-friendly choice. It is not mined from the Earth but created in laboratories using recycled silicon carbide.
How Is Moissanite Made?
The process begins with silicon carbide powder, which is heated until it liquefies. Once it cools and hardens, it forms tiny crystals of Moissanite. These crystals are then cut and polished to create the beautiful stones we see in jewelry today. Thanks to its history and unique origin story, Moissanite is a genuinely one-of-a-kind gemstone.
The Different Types Of Moissanite
Moissanite is a rare mineral discovered in a meteor crater in 1893. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Moissanite was used in jewelry. Today, there are three main types of Moissanite available on the market: silicon carbide (SiC), chromium-containing silicon carbide (Cr-SiC), and titanium-containing silicon carbide (Ti-SiC).
Silicon carbide is the most common type of Moissanite and the least expensive. It has excellent hardness and durability, but its color can range from yellowish to grayish-green. Chromium-containing silicon carbide is slightly more expensive than silicon carbide, but its color is more consistent and can range from olive green to yellowish green.
Titanium-containing silicon carbide is the most expensive type of Moissanite, but it is also the most durable and has the best color consistency. Its color ranges from pale yellow to near-colorless.
Where To Buy Moissanite Jewelry
Moissanite is a type of jewelry that has only recently become popular. Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a French chemist. It was first used in jewelry in the late 1990s and has only become more prevalent in recent years. Moissanite is very similar to diamonds, but it is not as expensive. As a result, Moissanite has become a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry.
There are many places to buy Moissanite jewelry. The best place to start is online. Many online retailers sell moissanite jewelry, and the selection is usually excellent. You can also find Moissanite jewelry in some brick-and-mortar stores, although the selection is often more limited.
If you want to buy Moissanite jewelry in person, you can check out Zales or Kay Jewelers stores. These stores typically have a good selection of Moissanite jewelry, and the prices are usually very reasonable. No matter where you choose to buy your Moissanite jewelry, you are sure to find something that you love.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a beautiful and durable gemstone that is an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to diamonds. With its hardness and fire comparable to diamond,
Moissanite has rapidly become a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. If you're considering Moissanite for your next piece of jewelry, be sure to do your research and work with a qualified jeweler to find the best stone for you.
