What is Moissanite ?

Moissanite is said to be a gemstone and was born from the stars. Moisinite flashes, indicating a fiery rainbow. Moissanites are very unique and brilliant and are highly regarded for their cost-effectiveness. This gemstone is completely transparent and shines more than a diamond.

Moisanite is a compound of silicon carbide (SiC). This crystal is generally found only in the form of tiny crystals. Although Moissanites are naturally very rare in tiny crystals, when consumers want to compare moissanites and diamonds, they are more likely to find moissanites. Consider. It is a type of crystalline silicon carbide that is produced in laboratories and is widely used as a diamond reference. If you buy rare mineral specimens, you will have artificial variety when you come across Moissanites rings for sale.

Although everyone knows a lot about diamonds, you probably know little about Moissanite. So it is not surprising that the first person to discover this rare stone believed that he was observing diamond particles under his microscope. Mucisonite was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan . Moissanite particles were discovered in the rocks around the meteorite attack in Diablo Canyon, Arizona.

Moissanite History

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteorite crater in Diablo Canyon, Arizona. Initially, Henri Moissan mistakenly identified Moissanite crystals as diamonds, until in 1904 Moissanite crystals were identified as silicon carbide. Synthetic silicon carbide was made by Edward G. Acheson in the laboratory two years before the discovery of Moissanite.

The natural form of silicon carbide was later named Moissanite in honor of Henri Moissan. This discovery in the Diablo Canyon meteorite and elsewhere has long been a major challenge due to carborundum contamination from man-made abrasive tools.

Identification of Moissanite

Moissanite was used after the patent for the production and supply of silicon carbide gemstones in the laboratory, and Moissanite is considered as an alternative to diamond, although some of its optical properties are greater than those of diamonds. It is being marketed as a low-cost alternative to diamonds, and mining is said to have declined. Because some of its properties are quite similar to diamonds, Moissanite has also been used for scams. Experiments based on measuring thermal conductivity can have deceptive results. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Moissanite is 9.5 and Diamond 10. Unlike diamonds, Moissanite has a defrosting, so that its heating gradually changes its color and starts from about 65 degrees Celsius. A more practical test is to measure the electrical conductivity when Moissanite has higher values.

Moissanite Applications

Due to its hardness, Moissanite can be used as a substitute for diamonds in high pressure tests. Because large diamonds are usually too expensive and cannot be used as anvils, Moissanite is more commonly used in large volume experiments. Synthetic moissanite is also important for electronic and thermal applications because its thermal conductivity is similar to that of diamond. Moissanite may be used in high-strength silicon carbide electronic devices. These devices are designed to protect circuits used for motors, actuators, and to store energy or pulse power. It also displays thermoluminescence, making it useful in radiation dosimetry.

Moissanite Color

You can now easily find moissanites with the same range of white diamond colors. Although this has not always been the case.

The "classic" moissanite has a yellowish or brown color that is usually compared to the J through M diamond. This color range with yellow gold and superior styles is the most beautiful.

However, moissanite is also available in equivalent colors "Near Colorless" G to I range and "Colorless" D to F. These are great options for moissanite buyers to mimic their favorite diamond shape and style.

moissanite can change color based on lighting and may not always look completely colorless. Some stones are mostly yellow or greenish-yellow. Those who are sensitive to color usually prefer white diamonds or sapphires to moissanite.

CLASSIC MOISSANITE

Classic moissanite (the first moissanite produced by man) is not colorless. In fact, many people think that the classic K-diamond-colored Mossit is GIA-certified (all yellow). In addition, in some lights, the classic moisenite is seen in a greenish-yellow color. This is probably the main reason why Charles & Colvard (the moissanite pioneers!) Worked hard to develop two new options.

Moissanite Clarity

Because moissanites are manufactured in laboratories, they do not have as many imperfections as diamonds. Therefore, a Moissanite will always be eye-clean, while a diamond may have visible defects.

It is definitely difficult for those who have a small budget to find an eye-clean diamond in the desired size. This involves a very thorough examination of the diamond. This can be time consuming and may require specialist help.

Moissanite Cut

Moissanite can be cut into a variety of shapes. Some shapes and cuts beautifully display the natural features of this gemstone.

·        ROUND Moissanite:

Round moissanite is the most popular form of moissanite. This shiny crystal with a perfect cut is perfect as a classic round for a single engagement ring or as a pendant or pair of earrings.

·        OVAL Moissanite:

Another exceptional shape for moissanite is oval. Oval cuts make your gemstone look bigger than it really is. The exaggerated size or the stone with the wonderful cuts that fit this shape, has made this gem a great choice.

·        PRINCESS Moissanite:

The princess cut, or the same glossy shiny square used specifically to display moissanite fire, is another exciting shape for this stunning stone. Classic and beautiful, this shape allows this gemstone to shine well.

·        CUSHION Moissanite:

The cushion cut, reminiscent of the glamor of Art Deco days, is another shape that makes moissanite shine. The cushion cut focuses on the fire and the inherent brilliance of this gemstone.

·        EMERALD Moissanite:

It is similar in shape to a cushion cut gemstone, but the emerald cut gives moissanite exceptional depth. While cushion cutting creates fire and radiance in the stone, emerald cutting allows you to increase the brilliance and clarity of your gemstone.

Moissanite Sources

Today, all silicon carbide is used as a synthetic material, because natural materials are very rare.

Rare moissanite crystals are usually found in the form of tiny crystals near meteorites. The crystal, often found in Arizona, has also been found in Czechoslovakia, Israel and Russia. The largest naturally recorded moissanite crystals were extracted from Israel. The size of these crystals is more than 3 mm. Diamond breaking is said to require about twice as much pressure as moissanite, while breaking moissanite takes three times longer than CZ. However, it is not clear whether the measurement of the diamond is the average pressure applied in each direction or whether it is taken along the slit plate, which will be weaker. (CZ, like moissanite, lacks a cleavage plane).

In general, both diamond and moissanite are unlikely to chip or crack, although this is always a possibility and also depends on the type of cut. (For example, princess cuts may be easier than rounds). Durability is not an important factor when choosing between these gemstones.

Silicon carbide was first synthesized by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, known for his discovery of silicon. Years later, Edward Goodrich Acheson developed minerals that could replace diamonds as abrasives and cutters, and could also be produced. This was possible because Moissanite is one of the hardest materials known, Moissanite is the hardest after diamond and is comparable to cubic boron and boron nitride.

Pure synthetic moissanite can be obtained by thermal decomposition of methylsilyne polymer, without the need for a bonding matrix, such as cobalt metal powder.

Moissanite grading

Moissanite is graded for color using the GIA Diamond Color Rating Scale. Colorless moissanite is graded D-E-F. In addition, those stones that are found to be almost colorless have a G-H-I grade. Moissanite is graded with light J-K colors.

Moissanite is also graded for transparency. These stones are examined by magnification, just like diamonds are examined as follows:

·        FL: FLAWLESS:

No inclusions or blemished under 10x magnification

·        IF: INTERNALLY FLAWLESS:

Except for some minor blemishes No inclusions under 10x magnification.

·        VVS1 - VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included to Very Very Slightly Included

Minute inclusions under 10X magnification.

·        VS1 - VS2: Very Slightly Included to Very Slightly Included

Contains minute inclusions under 10X magnification. These may include small clouds, crystals, or feathers that are invisible to the naked eye.

·        SI1 TO SI2: Slightly Included to Slightly Included:

 Contains inclusions that are noticeable under 10X magnification. These may include clouds, knots, cavities, feathers, or included crystals.

·        I1, L2, L3:

Included: Stones in this category contain inclusions that are obvious at 10X magnification and may have a negative impact on the clarity and brilliance of the gem. The gemstone may have large feathers or crystals.

Moissanite, due to its crystalline nature, generally has clear and small components and is usually in the VVS or VS resolution group.

Moissanite treatments

In general, Moissanite made using technology and heat can be treated with more heat to change its color. Although Moissanite is rarely really colorless, your gemstone can be set in white gold or platinum to enhance the colorless illusion.

The difference between diamonds and Moissanite

·        Hardness

At 10 on the Mohs scale, diamond is known as the hardest material with a hardness of 10. Nothing but a diamond can scratch another diamond. Moissanite with a hardness of 9.25 is the second hardest material among precious stones. Unless you store your Moissanite with diamond jewelry, it is very unlikely to be scratched.

However, it is difficult to determine whether moissanite or diamond is a harder gemstone material. People who sell moissanite may claim that molasses is harder, but those who sell diamonds may claim otherwise.

While diamond, moissanite does not have a cutting plane. This gives moissanite a durability advantage. However, this does not help establish how hard a moissanite needs to be knocked until it chips or shatters.

The IGS cannot corroborate the following measurements of pressure tolerance in millions of pounds per square inch (PSI) for diamond, moissanite, and CZ, another well-known diamond simulant. However, they may give some basis for comparison:

Diamond: 14.6 PSI

Moissanite: 7.6 PSI

CZ: 2.4 PSI

·        Budget and Size

Cost is often the main factor in choosing an engagement ring. When comparing moissanite vs diamond, moissanite is the clear winner in the price group. Different color grades, moissanite sizes that you can find on different budgets.

As you can see, moissanite saves a lot of money. Even for less than $ 1,000, you can get a one-carat diamond-sized stone. For a diamond of this size, you pay at least $ 3,000, with a remarkable compromise in color and sharpness. If you pay this amount for a moissanite, its width is more than 1 cm!

Even on smaller budgets of $ 500, the size difference between moissanite and diamond is significant, with a moissanite 8% larger than a light-colored diamond or 20% larger than a D-E-F diamond.

·        Brilliance and Fire

When you look at diamonds, you will see both brilliance (white flashes) and fire (colored flashes). Moissanite also shows both, but usually has more fire than diamonds. Therefore, Moissanite emits more colored light than diamonds.

Of course, this depends in part on the diamond cut. Diamonds with old cut styles or modern cuts with certain angles show more fire than most modern diamonds. This can make it very difficult to tell the difference between the two.

Moissanite and diamonds based on brilliance and fire are not reliable, but they are much easier to see in larger sizes. Even if you have experience in the jewelry industry, you can not tell the difference just by appearance.

·        Color

Both moissanite and diamond can be colorless or almost colorless. In general, the amount of color of a moissanite depends on the type of moissanite.

Moissanite vs Diamond

But in general, the most important factor in your decision about moissanite over diamonds - even more than the cost - will be whether you just prefer to have a diamond or a moissanite.

Some consumers prefer diamonds because of their tradition, reputation and natural origin. Others prefer moissanite for stability or moral reasons, or simply because they can get less of the aesthetics they desire. This is a personal choice without a wrong answer. If you prefer diamonds, buy a diamond. If you prefer moissanite, buy a moissanite.

Moissanite as gift

Diamond is a stone born in April and is also the most selected stone for today's engagement rings. Moissanite is less well known, but has gained rapid popularity. A lesser-known alternative to diamond, Moissanite was first discovered in meteorites.

Moissanite can usually be found in solo rings and rings and halo rings. Although white gold rings are always popular, yellow gold rings are a classic, rose gold rings are fashionable and platinum rings are really special!