The Brilliance of Moissanite

MOISSANITE ARE NOT REAL DIAMOND BUT…

The most obvious difference between a moissanite and a diamond is, a moissanite is anything but a diamond.

There can be certain similarities or reminiscent of its durability, brilliance, clarity, and color but their actual DNA—their composition is distinct from each other. But before we get to its chemistry, it is wonderful to note the fairy tale appeal of moissanites. The gem that came from the stars.

It was discovered by a French scientist named Henri Moissan born in 1852 and winner of the Nobel Prize in 1906. He was one of the primary scholars who theorized that diamonds can be synthesized in 1892. No later than a year after, he came across rock samples recovered from a meteor crater found in Arizona and saw something shining, shimmering, and splendid!

MOISSANITE VS DIAMONDS

They were crystalline formations he mistook for diamonds. 11 years later, he discovered it was not. Moissan realized the chemical composition is different. Diamonds are made of carbon and this other specimen is made of silicon carbide. It was then noted this was actually the first discovery of natural moissanite because two years earlier, there was only man-made silicon carbide synthesized by another chemist, Edward Acheson, in a lab.

Since then silicon carbide or what was later named moissanite, after Moissan, has been valuable for commercial and industrial use.

Although different, the crystalline structure of moissanite is similar to diamonds that makes it hard enough to withstand high pressures. This makes it a viable substitute for cutting and other abrasive purposes. Among its other industrial uses, it is also good for making high-performance semiconductor devices and other electronic uses.

But it's only 102 years later that gem quality moissanite was produced and sold to the market. In 1995, a company later called Charles & Colvard was the first company to create and get a patent for gem grade synthetic moissanite.

THE DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE OF CHOICE

If you’re looking for other options aside from lab-grown diamonds, go for the second most popular alternative, the moissanite. Note that it is not a synthetic diamond but rather, a diamond simulant. But what are diamond simulants? Unlike synthetic diamonds whose chemical composition is the same as natural diamonds, diamond simulants are composed of different elements but are visually identical to diamonds.

Rare as they may be, natural moissanite are encountered in a couple of sites aside from meteorites. In 1958, it was discovered at the Green River Formation in Wyoming, then in 1959 in a diamond mine Sakha, a federal subject of Russia that is also rich in other minerals such as coal, diamonds, gold and silver.

A few more deposits are found worldwide in places like the middle mountains of Czechoslovakia and Northern Israel, along the Kishon River. It is usually discovered in upper mantle rocks or as inclusions of other rocks such as xenoliths, kimberlite, lamproite or even precious stones such as diamonds.

Since natural moissanite are not as pure and clear, they are significantly less expensive than other precious stones. However, you can opt for lab made moissanite. Although at first the process of developing their synthetic version is complex and time-consuming, currently, several popular labels can also produce this diamond simulant.

Abroad you would hear Charles and Colvard still at the forefront with Harro Gem, Amora Gems, and Brilliant Earth following. Fortunately, you don’t have to fly out or order overseas because you can get this diamond alternative right at Meycauayan Jewelries, at Meycauayan, Bulacan, the jewelry capital of the Philippines. 

WHAT MAKES MOISSANITE JUST RIGHT?

Above all its other benefits, choosing lab grown moissanite saves the trouble and expense of mining and disturbing the earth.  Because of its minimal environmental impact, selecting this supports a safe and eco-friendly industry that is more humane and forward-thinking. Its value may be less expensive than other gemstones, but the choice you will make in choosing this is far more valuable. 

Aside from its durability that makes it perfect for everyday wear, it also has a heightened brilliance that is more fiery under sunlight than a diamond’s. That said, it may reflect some yellow tones or grayish hues depending on the lighting. Premium moissanite of greater sizes may be more expensive but they are not as expensive as diamonds. 

Whether it's for an engagement, wedding, or a daily accessory, don’t be discouraged to try something new. With moissanite, you can go for bigger sized stones instead of staying within budget and getting something smaller. To top this all off, it doesn’t lose its sparkle. No matter how much time passes, moissanite continues to shine. If it does gather dirt or grime, you’d only have to clean it and it will be good as new.

See more about moissanite encrusted jewelry. Know your options. Ask us at Meycauayan Jewelries.