What is Moissanite

Moissanite is a sparkling, durable gemstone rapidly gaining popularity among jewellery enthusiasts and conscious consumers. While it often resembles a diamond, moissanite is a unique mineral with distinct physical and optical properties.

In this comprehensive Moissanite guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this captivating gemstone, from its fascinating history to its striking features and benefits.

The History of Moissanite

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan, who mistakenly identified the sparkling crystals as diamonds. Upon closer examination, Moissan realised the mineral was silicon carbide—a completely different substance. Read the History of moissanite.

Naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally rare, found in tiny quantities primarily in meteorites. Because of its rarity, the moissanite available today is predominantly lab-grown, making this beautiful gem more accessible and sustainable.

For more about Henri Moissan’s groundbreaking discovery, read the biographical details of Henri Moissan on NobelPrize.org.

Physical Properties of Moissanite

Moissanite stands apart due to several remarkable physical characteristics:

• Hardness:
  Rated at 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is second only to diamonds in durability. It is tougher than sapphires and rubies, making it ideal for everyday wear.
• Brilliance:
  Renowned for its extraordinary sparkle, moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69—higher than that of diamonds (2.41-2.42). This means moissanite reflects more light, displaying intense brilliance and fire.
• Colour:
  Although typically colourless or near-colourless, moissanite can sometimes exhibit subtle hues such as yellow, green, blue, or grey. At Moissanite SA, we specialise in colourless to near-colourless moissanite. You can also view our stone colour chart here.
• Clarity:
  High-quality moissanite is typically very clear and free from visible inclusions—tiny imperfections within a gemstone. This clarity contributes significantly to its aesthetic appeal.

How is Moissanite Made?

While natural moissanite is exceedingly scarce, today’s gemstones are primarily produced through an advanced lab process called chemical vapour deposition (CVD).

This modern technique involves carefully growing silicon carbide crystals in controlled laboratory environments. These crystals are then expertly cut and polished to achieve the brilliant gemstone known and loved in jewellery.

Learn more about the CVD gemstone growth process here.

Is Moissanite a Diamond?

While moissanite visually resembles a diamond, it’s an entirely distinct gemstone composed of silicon carbide, unlike diamonds, which are pure carbon. Beyond chemical differences, moissanite exhibits a greater refractive index and dispersion—resulting in an intense sparkle with distinctive rainbow flashes.

For an in-depth comparison, read our detailed guide on Moissanite vs Diamond: Which is Right for You?.

Benefits of Moissanite

Choosing moissanite jewellery provides numerous advantages:

• Affordability:
  Typically priced lower than diamonds, moissanite offers excellent value, allowing buyers to own stunning jewellery without the high price tag.
• Ethical and Sustainable:
  Lab-grown moissanite eliminates the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, offering a more eco-friendly and conflict-free alternative.
• Distinctive Beauty:
  Moissanite’s extraordinary brilliance and vibrant fire offer a uniquely captivating appearance distinct from diamonds.

Moissanite Vs Diamond Vs Other Popular Gemstones

(* Diamond toughness depends on factors such as inclusions and cut quality)
(** Rubies and Sapphires are durable but may require special care depending on treatment)

For further guidance, explore our comprehensive Moissanite Buyer’s Guide.