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All About Moissanite: A Sparkling History
Have you ever wondered what is moissanite? Are moissanite diamonds fake? How is moissanite different from a diamond, and what makes it so special?
This brief blog post will cover the history of moissanite, moissanite’s unique optical and chemical properties, and why you should choose moissanite instead of a diamond. Learning about moissanite makes buying your moissanite earrings, moissanite wedding bands, and moissanite tennis bracelet more special.
Moissanite Discovery
In 1893, Nobel prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan discovered natural moissanite in a crater located in Arizona; the stone was named after him as an honor and recognition, moissanite.
Natural moissanite is very rare and only found in small quantities in specific geological formations such as kimberlites, lamproites, and meteorites. Due to its rarity, natural moissanite is incredibly expensive.
What is Moissanite?
Because natural moissanite is so rare, scientists discovered a way to reproduce moissanite in a lab mimicking the natural version. Charles & Colvard, a gemstone and jewelry manufacturer, pioneered the production of synthetic moissanite in the 1990s, establishing themselves as the original creators of this distinctive stone.
How Moissanite is Made?
Synthetic moissanite is created with intense pressure and heat in a controlled laboratory setting. The lely process is a method used for growing large silicon carbide crystals by heating high-purity silicon and carbon in an inert atmosphere under supervision. Producing moissanite is time-consuming, typically taking around 2-3 months just for a single gem. The moissanite crystals are then cut and faceted into many popular shapes commonly found with diamonds and gemstones, ready for setting.
Moissanite Composition, Optical Characteristics & Durability
Chemical Composition: The chemical composition refers to how natural moissanite is made. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), where a carbon atom is surrounded by four silicon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral form.
Optical Characteristics: Moissanite is known as the world’s most brilliant gemstone–even more brilliant than a diamond. This fire is measured on the refractive index scale, a way of evaluating how much light passes through the mineral. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.648-2.691, and a dispersion of 0.104 with an adamantine luster and noticeable double refractivity. Double refraction is when a beam of light enters a material and undergoes a phenomenon where it is slowed down, bent, and splits into two separate rays. This doubling can be viewed under 10X magnification.
Durability: Moissanite measures 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, a convenient way of identifying minerals and their scratch resistance tendencies. The scale rates objects from 1-10, with diamond as a 10 and talc a 1. This high rating means moissanite is durable and hard, perfect for wearing as an engagement ring, a bracelet, moissanite wedding bands, moissanite necklace, and so much more.
Endless Possibilities
Moissanite is widely accessible for those who seek a sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially conscious alternative than natural earth-mined diamonds and gemstones—but with all the unique optical and chemical properties of natural moissanite, making it a stand-out, high-quality, valuable stone that is worthy of investment and has some resale value.
Shop with Us
Whether you seek to buy moissanite bracelet gold, or other designs, allow to be your trusted source for bespoke moissanite jewelry set into precious metals for all your Luminate Z special occasions. Choose from brilliant round cut, princess cut, emerald cut, Asscher, cushion, and more with the endless versatility of lab-created moissanite.
Is moissanite worth buying? Our FAQ page will answer any questions you may have.
Moissanite: Easy Cleaning & Care Guide
Regularly cleaning and maintaining any fine jewelry extends the life of the design. This blog post will cover common topics, such as: Can I wear moissanite in the shower? What not to do with moissanite jewelry and regular jewelry inspection.
How Long Do Moissanite Rings Last?
The Mohs hardness scale is a convenient way of identifying minerals and their scratch resistant tendencies from 1-10.
Moissanite vs. diamond–which is more scratch resistant? Is moissanite a good diamond alternative? Diamond rates 10/10, famous for its hardness. Moissanite is a 9.25, making it remarkably durable and suitable for everyday wear--moissanite is easy to maintain because of its resilience and hardness.
What Can Damage a Moissanite?
Taking care not to knock, drop, do heavy lifting, laborious work or workouts, household cleaning with harsh cleaning products, and other strenuous activities will keep your jewelry from potential damage.
Nothing is indestructible–interactions with other objects may chip, break, or scratch your moissanite jewelry.
Caring for Moissanite Jewelry at Home
Luminatez offers a complimentary patented cleaning solution upon purchase. This solution is mild and will not corrode metal or make moissanite cloudy.
We also recommend the at-home warm soapy water method for regular cleaning. This includes very mild dish soap and warm tap water. Marie Claire recommends Dawn soap, an affordable, easy-to-find, and safe choice for a cleaning agent.
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Mix a few drops of soap in a bowl that is not made of plastic.
Leave the moissanite jewelry soaking in the mixture for a few minutes, loosening the debris.
Gently scrub the piece with a new ultra-soft toothbrush paying attention to the settings (prongs). underneath the stones and around crevices. Using a brush loosens the debris and bacteria.
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Run cool, clean tap water on your piece, whether it is a moissanite ring, moissanite diamond chain, moissanite drop earrings, and engagement ring.
Pat or air dry.
Storing your moissanite jewelry safely with our customized plush jewelry boxes protecting it from accidents, loss, and damage when they aren't worn.