Moissanite, a celestial gemstone, was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, after whom it is named. Moissan's discovery of these microscopic particles in a meteorite crater earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Initially mistaken for natural diamonds, these crystals were later identified as Silicon Carbide
Natural moissanite is exceptionally rare, far rarer than diamonds. Today, to meet demand, moissanite is lab-created. After extensive research and development, scientists successfully synthesized larger crystals from Moissan’s initial particles, producing one of the world’s most brilliant gemstones.
Brilliance
Moissanite boasts an impressive refractive index (RI) ranging from 2.65 to 2.69, surpassing that of diamonds (RI 2.42) and all other popular gemstones. This high RI results in unparalleled brilliance, making moissanite one of the most scintillating gems available.
Fire
The dispersion rate of moissanite is 0.104, which exceeds that of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Dispersion refers to the gemstone’s ability to break white light into spectral colors, creating a mesmerizing prism effect.
Color & Clarity
Moissanite maintains its color under normal conditions. Although it may undergo a temporary color change when exposed to extreme heat during jewelry repairs, proper techniques ensure it returns to its original color upon cooling.
Hardness
With a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is the second hardest gemstone, only surpassed by diamonds. This exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, ideal for daily wear.
Measurement
Unlike diamonds, moissanite is measured in millimeters rather than carats, as it weighs approximately 10% less than diamonds. For instance, a 6.5mm round diamond weighs 1.0 carat, while a 6.5mm round moissanite weighs 0.88 carats. Products are listed with their size in millimeters and the diamond equivalent weight (DEW) in carats
Gemstone Comparison Chart
