Moissanite is a gemstone that is often used as an alternative to diamonds. It is made of silicon carbide, which is the same material that makes up a diamond’s crystal structure. However, moissanite is created in a laboratory, rather than being mined from the earth.
Moissanite has many properties that are similar to diamonds, including its hardness, fire, and brilliance. However, there are also some key differences between the two gemstones.
Hardness
Moissanite is a very hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 9.25. This means that it is only slightly softer than a diamond, which has a Mohs hardness of 10. This makes moissanite a durable gemstone that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Fire
Moissanite has a very high refractive index, which means that it scatters light very well. This gives moissanite a lot of sparkle and brilliance, which is often compared to that of a diamond.
Brilliance
Moissanite also has a high dispersion, which is the ability to split white light into its component colors. This gives moissanite a rainbow-like effect that is often called fire.
Color
Moissanite is available in a variety of colors, including colorless, near colorless, and tinted colors. The most popular color of moissanite is colorless, which is often referred to as “gem quality.”
Clarity
Moissanite can also be found with inclusions, which are small imperfections in the gemstone. However, even moissanite with inclusions can still be very beautiful.
Moissanite and diamonds are often compared to each other, as they are both very popular gemstones. However, there are some key differences between the two gemstones.
Price
Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamonds. This is because moissanite is created in a laboratory, while diamonds are mined from the earth.
Rarity
Diamonds are much rarer than moissanite. This is because diamonds are formed over billions of years, while moissanite can be created in a matter of hours.
Ethical Considerations
The mining of diamonds has been linked to human rights abuses and environmental damage. Moissanite is a more ethical gemstone, as it is created in a laboratory without any of these negative impacts.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that is often used as an alternative to diamonds. It has many of the same properties as diamonds, but it is significantly less expensive and more ethical. If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable gemstone, moissanite is a great option.
Here are some additional pros and cons of moissanite:
Pros:
More affordable than diamonds
Created in a laboratory, so no ethical concerns
Very hard and durable
High refractive index and dispersion, giving it a lot of sparkle and brilliance
Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
Not as rare as diamonds
Some moissanites may have inclusions
Can be difficult to tell apart from diamonds without a trained eye
Overall, moissanite is a great option for those who are looking for a beautiful and affordable gemstone. It is important to do your research and purchase moissanite from a reputable jeweler to ensure that you are getting a quality gemstone.
