Moissanite is a gemstone that is often mistaken for diamond. It is just as hard and durable as diamond, but it is much more affordable. Moissanite is also known for its brilliance, which is often described as being even more brilliant than diamond.
The Discovery of Moissanite
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan. He was studying the fragments of a meteorite that had crashed into the Arizona desert, and he found a clear, colorless crystal that he had never seen before. He named the crystal moissanite in his honor.
The Properties of Moissanite
Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone. It is the second hardest natural substance on Earth, after diamond. Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, which means that it can only be scratched by other moissanites or diamonds. Moissanite is also very transparent and has a high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant fire and sparkle.
The Rarity of Moissanite
Natural moissanite diamond are very rare. It is only found in a few places in the world, and it is very difficult to mine. This makes moissanite even more special and unique.
Lab-Grown Moissanite
Today, most moissanite is lab-grown. This means that it is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The process is similar to the way that diamonds are created, but it is much more precise. The carbon atoms that make up a lab-grown moissanite are heated and pressurized in a high-tech chamber, and the resulting moissanite is identical to a natural moissanite in terms of its chemical and physical properties.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
So, which is rarer: moissanite or diamond? Well, that depends on how you define “rare.” If you mean “naturally occurring,” then diamond is definitely rarer. However, if you mean “available in general,” then moissanite is actually rarer. This is because there is a much larger demand for moissanite than there is for diamond, and lab-grown moissanite is much easier to produce than natural diamonds.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a beautiful and rare gemstone that is a great alternative to diamond. It is just as hard and durable as diamond, but it is much more affordable. Moissanite is also available in a wider variety of colors than diamond. If you are looking for a unique and affordable gemstone for your engagement ring, moissanite is a great option.
Here are some additional facts about moissanite:
- Moissanite is often used in jewelry because it is so similar to diamond in appearance.
- Moissanite is also used in industrial applications, such as cutting tools and abrasives.
- Moissanite is a relatively new gemstone, and it is still being studied by scientists.
If you are considering buying a moissanite ring, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable dealer. You should also be aware of the possible differences between moissanite and diamond, such as the way they sparkle.
Here are some of the reasons why moissanite is becoming increasingly popular:
- It is much more affordable than diamond.
- It is just as hard and durable as diamond.
- It is available in a wider variety of colors than diamond.
- It is conflict-free, which means that it has not been mined in areas where there is conflict or violence.
If you are looking for a beautiful, affordable, and rare gemstone for your engagement ring, moissanite is a great option.