Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide (SiC). It is known for its brilliance and durability, and it closely resembles diamonds in appearance. While moissanite is naturally found in very limited quantities in the Earth's upper mantle and in meteorites, most moissanite available in the jewelry market is created through a laboratory-grown process.
Moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamonds in jewelry, particularly in engagement rings and other fine jewelry, due to its sparkle, hardness, and affordability compared to traditional diamonds. It has a high refractive index, which means it reflects light beautifully, resulting in a brilliant sparkle. Moissanite is also nearly as hard as diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Overall, moissanite is a stunning and cost-effective choice for individuals looking for a diamond alternative with similar visual characteristics.Here are some common factors that make moissanite an appealing choice:
Brilliance and Sparkle: Moissanite has a high refractive index, which means it reflects and refracts light exceptionally well. This results in a stunning, rainbow-like sparkle, often described as even more brilliant than diamonds.
Durability: Moissanite is one of the hardest known minerals, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it suitable for everyday wear and less prone to scratching or damage.
Affordability: Moissanite is typically more affordable than natural diamonds of similar size and quality. This can allow individuals to choose larger or more elaborate jewelry pieces without the high cost associated with diamonds.
Ethical Considerations: Moissanite is a lab-created gem, so there are no ethical concerns related to mining practices or conflict diamonds.
Environmental Impact: The production of moissanite in a lab has a lower environmental impact compared to diamond mining, which can be ecologically damaging.
Color and Clarity: Moissanite is typically near-colorless and can have exceptional clarity. This means you can get a high-quality, clear gem without the premium price tag.