The Science of Moissanite: What Makes It Sparkle?

Imagine a stone that sparkles like a star and is born in a shooting star, a meteoroid—yes, we are talking about moissanite.

Discovered in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan, this remarkable mineral, composed of silicon carbide, was initially mistaken for diamond due to its dazzling appearance. Today, moissanite has become a well-liked substitute for diamonds due to its unmatched sparkle, ethical sourcing, and affordability.

But what exactly sets moissanite apart? Is it the way it reflects light, creating a colourful tapestry or the fact that it is exceptionally durable and can stand the test of time? Or maybe the fact that buying a moissanite piece would not cost you an arm and a leg.

Take a seat back and enjoy as we share all of the "fun facts" about moissanite and how this "superstar gemstone" conveys sophistication and sustainability!

A Stellar Beginning: The Discovery of Moissanite:

While studying fragments from a meteorite that had crashed in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, in 1893, French chemist Henri Moissan stumbled upon moissanite. He initially thought that it was diamond because of the similar characteristics but later realized he had discovered a new mineral, silicon carbide (SiC). 

Naturally occurring moissanite are very rare, which is the reason they were not used to make jewelry until the 1990s. In 1995, Charles & Colvard developed a process to create lab-grown moissanite crystals that were virtually identical to their natural counterparts. Which makes it more accessible and affordable, attracting a lot of popularity.

What Makes Moissanite Sparkle? Understanding Its Unique Properties:

Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, which contribute to its sparkling appearance.

Let's break down these properties:

1. Chemical Composition and Structure: 

Moissanite is made up of silicon carbide (SiC), which gives it remarkable hardness and durability. On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores between 9.25 and 9.5, making it one of the toughest gemstones available—second only to diamond, which scores a perfect 10.

Moissanite has a hexagonal crystal structure, which affects its optical properties significantly. This structure allows light to pass through the stone in unique ways, enhancing its sparkle.

2. Brilliance: The Light Reflection Factor:

Brilliance refers to the amount of white light reflected back to the observer from a gemstone. Moissanite boasts a higher refractive index (RI) than diamonds—ranging from 2.65 to 2.69 compared to diamond's 2.42. This means that moissanite bends light more effectively, resulting in greater brightness and sparkle.

To put it simply: when light enters a moissanite stone, it slows down more than it does in a diamond, creating an eye-catching effect that many describe as "lively" or "flashy."

3. Fire: The Colorful Dispersion:

Fire refers to the dispersion of light into its spectral colors—think rainbows! Moissanite has a dispersion rate of 0.104, significantly higher than diamond's 0.044. This means that when light hits moissanite, it breaks down into vibrant colors more effectively than it does with diamonds.

In practical terms, this results in colorful flashes of light that can appear more intense under certain lighting conditions—making moissanite truly dazzling.

Durability: Built to Last

One of the standout features of moissanite is its durability. Its high hardness rating means it is scratch and abrasion resistant, making it ideal for everyday use in rings and other jewelry pieces. Also, moissanite's toughness allows it to withstand chipping or breaking better than many other gemstones.

Another notable property is thermal stability; moissanite can endure high temperatures without significant changes in structure or appearance. This makes it suitable not only for jewelry but also for various industrial applications where heat resistance is essential.

A Spectrum of Colors: Variety in Appearance

A lot of people think that moissanite is a colorless stone similar to diamonds but they actually come in various colours, including yellow, green, blue, pink, and orange. The most common types are:

• Forever Classic: Slightly tinted with color.

• Forever Brilliant: Near-colorless with enhanced whiteness.

• Forever One: The whitest variety available.

This range allows consumers to choose stones that best fit their personal style or preferences.

Ethical Considerations: A Responsible Choice

As we move forward with time, ethical sourcing is now increasingly important to consumers; moissanite shines brightly as an ethical choice compared to mined diamonds. Since most moissanites are lab-created, they do not carry the same ethical concerns associated with diamond mining practices—such as environmental degradation or human rights issues.

Interestingly, moissanite’s ethical appeal isn’t limited to rings or necklaces. It has also found its way into luxury accessories like watches, where its brilliance adds a touch of sophistication and glamour.

Moissanite watches are becoming a trend, combining style with sustainability. If you’re intrigued by this stylish option, you can explore our article on, Top 10 Trendiest Moissanite Watch Styles. These timepieces showcase how moissanite continues to redefine modern luxury while staying true to its ethical roots.

Comparing Moissanite and Diamonds: The Sparkle Showdown

When comparing moissanite and diamonds directly, several factors come into play:

 

While both gemstones have their unique appeal, many find that the extra sparkle from moissanite combined with its affordability makes it an attractive option for those looking for something special without breaking the bank.

Learn how Moissanite compares to Diamond in brilliance, durability, and value. Check out our Moissanite Vs Diamond: Ultimate Comparison.

Conclusion:

Moissanite offers an amazing combination of beauty, affordability, and ethical sourcing. It appeals to consumers who want to take a break from the traditional gemstones, like diamonds, and choose a sustainable option. They are more than just for the aesthetics and have a rich scientific background.

Whether buying an engagement ring or going for a simple piece of jewelry, moissanite stands out, and understanding this “superstar gemstone” makes you appreciate it more.

So next time you see someone wearing a dazzling piece featuring this gem from outer space (literally!), you'll know there’s more than meets the eye—there’s science behind that sparkle!

FAQ's

1. What is a moissanite stone?

Ans: Moissanite is a gemstone, which is silicon carbide that was initially discovered in a meteorite. They have a diamond-like appearance but are much cheaper, formed through a more environmentally friendly process, thus the best for use in jewelry.

2. Difference between Moissanite and Diamonds?

Ans: Compared to diamonds Moissanite has a higher refractive index and dispersion which means that it will reflect more light and have more colorful reflections. The hardness of moissanite ranges between 9.25 and 9.5 while that of diamonds is exactly 10.

3. Is Moissanite ethically sourced?

Ans: Yes, moissanite is primarily man-made, and hence there is no question of exploitation of environmental and human rights as it prevails in the diamond industry. This makes it a good choice for buyers who want to be sustainable in their choices.

4. Will Moissanite lose its sparkle over time?

Ans: No, moissanite will not lose its sparkle over time. Any dullness that may occur due to dirt can be easily cleaned, restoring its shine.

5. What types of jewelry can be made with Moissanite?

Ans: Moissanite can be used in a variety of jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and watches. Its versatility allows it to be used in various styles.

6. Can you wear Moissanite jewelry in water?

Ans: Yes, you can take your moissanite jewelry to water without any harm. It is resistant to water damage, making it suitable for everyday wear.