Although this unique stone has been around for over a century, it's only recently begun to gain popularity as a gemstone alternative and storm the jewelry world. First discovered in a meteor crater, it is now quickly becoming a popular diamond alternative. But what is moissanite, and is moissanite just a marketing scam? Let's take a closer look.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a silicon carbide mineral first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri, who observed the unique crystals in a meteor crater in Arizona. Although moissanite can be found in nature, it is incredibly rare!
As a result, most moissanite on the market today is lab-created. Moissanite is lab-created using high-pressure and high-temperature processes that mimic conditions in nature. The resulting product is a beautiful gemstone with superior hardness and brilliant fire.
Why Is Moissanite So Popular?
You may have encountered moissanite in your search for a stone that strikes the perfect balance of affordability and durability. Let's find out everything you need to know about this famous semiconductor.
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Hardness
First, moissanite is a tough stone, ranking second only to diamonds on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, slightly below diamonds (which have a hardness rating of 10). This makes it ideal for those looking for a durable stone that will stand the test of time.
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Fire And Brilliance
Second, moissanite is an extremely brilliant stone, with more fire and brilliance than diamonds. Many believe that moissanite engagement rings look more like sparklers than traditional diamond rings!
They're often said to "sparkle like mad," which makes them especially popular with people who want their jewelry to stand out. Moissanite is the way to go if you're looking for a stone that will dazzle and impress.
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Durable Gemstones On The Market
Scratch resistance is essential for anyone who wants their jewelry to last. With a hardness of 9.25, moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones on the market. It's resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are hard on their jewelry.
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Strikes The Perfect Balance Of Quality And Affordability
Finally, moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds. Although the price of moissanite has increased as its popularity grows, it still costs a fraction of what diamonds do. Moissanite is the way to go if you're looking for a beautiful and unique engagement ring without breaking the bank. have a quick look at is moissanite tacky!
Why Moissanite Costs Less Than Diamonds?
It’s because moissanite is created in a lab rather than mined from the earth. Additionally, moissanite has a different chemical composition than diamonds, which makes it less durable. However, moissanite is still quite hard—it's not as hard as diamonds.
So, Is Moissanite Just A Marketing Scam?
You may have seen ads for moissanite online or in magazines and wondered, "Is moissanite just a marketing scam?" Moissanite is a stone that is very similar to diamonds. In fact, to the untrained eye, they are nearly identical.
But moissanite is not a marketing scam. It is a real stone with unique properties that make it ideal for certain applications. Let's look at the facts:
- Moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamonds (we're talking a fraction of the price).
- Moissanite has a higher refractive index, dispersing light differently than diamonds.
- Moissanite will have a rainbow effect that diamonds do not have.
- Moissanite is eco-friendly and conflict-free
- Moissanite is less likely to chip or break than diamonds because of its hardness.
Moissanite could be a great option if you can get past that small difference! Maybe you are wondering if moissanite is the right choice for you. When choosing your next piece of jewelry, don't discount moissanite – it may just be the perfect option for you.
How To Keep Your Moissanite Jewelry Shining Bright?
Finally, it's clear moissanite jewelry is a beautiful, unique alternative to diamonds that offer superior hardness and brilliance. However, because moissanite is not as well-known as diamonds, many people don't know how to care for their moissanite jewelry properly.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your moissanite jewelry clean and sparkling.
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Avoid Contact With Harsh Chemicals.
Harsh chemicals can damage the moissanite stone and cause it to lose its luster. Remove your moissanite jewelry before contacting household cleaners, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals.
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Clean Your Jewelry Regularly.
To clean your moissanite jewelry at home:
- Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
For a deeper clean, you can take your jewelry to a professional jeweler every 6-12 months.
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Store Your Moissanite Jewelry Properly.
It's important to store your moissanite jewelry properly when you're not wearing it to avoid scratches or other damage. Be sure to store each piece of jewelry individually. Keep away from other pieces of jewelry that could scratch or bump into your moissanite stones.
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Have Your Moissanite Jewelry Checked Yearly.
Just like any other piece of fine jewelry, it's important to have your moissanite stones checked by a professional jeweler at least once per year for loose settings, missing stones, or other damage.
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Protect Your Moissanite From Excessive Heat Exposure.
Heat exposure can cause cracks or discoloration in the stone, so be careful not to leave your moissanite rings or other jewelry pieces in direct sunlight for extended periods.
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Don't Neglect The Prongs!
The prongs on your ring keep the stone securely in place, so it's important to have them inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional jeweler (ideally once per year). Damaged or dirty prongs can lead to lost stones, so don't forget this important step in caring for your ring!
Moissanite is an excellent alternative to diamonds that offers superior hardness and brilliance - but only if you take proper care of it! Here's what you need to know about grey moissanite.
Back To You:
Moissanite is a stone that's taking the jewelry world by storm for a good reason; it's beautiful, unique, and much more affordable than diamond engagement rings. In conclusion, moissanite is not a marketing scam—it's a real stone with unique properties that make it ideal for certain applications. Finally look at how to keep your engagement ring from spinning!
