Synthetic moissanite is quickly becoming one of the most popular gemstones used in jewelry. The striking stone’s unique properties create even more sparkle than a diamond. If you’re looking for a stand-out gemstone, look no further than moissanite.
Moissanite is a rare mineral made up of silicon carbide. It gets its name from French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan - a chemist who discovered the natural mineral in 1893 while analysing a meteor crater in Arizona. He initially thought the tiny grains he found were diamonds, but upon closer inspection, he realized he had come across something completely new.
What he discovered was a mineral found in fragments so small that cutting them into gemstones was impossible. After years of trial and error, scientists successfully created lab-grown synthetics using particles of naturally occurring moissanite. Due to its superior hardness, the synthetics were first used as an abrasive for industrial use. By the late 1990s, they were introduced as diamond simulants in the jewelry industry. The stone that fell from the stars was now accessible for anyone to purchase.
Synthetic moissanite is very effective as a diamond simulant when it’s set in jewelry, but there are some key differences. Though it looks incredibly similar to diamond, moissanite’s color tends to be slightly yellowish or greenish. Additionally, moissanite is more refractive than diamonds, meaning they show more fire (a rainbow-like sparkle). This powerful shimmer can be too intense for some, while it’s the key selling point for others. Moissanite is generally so close to diamond in appearance that it can be practically impossible to differentiate them with the naked eye.
Apart from its beauty, moissanite is a great choice for jewelry and engagement rings due to its outstanding durability. It is one of the hardest stones, and can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes. This also means it can be worn daily without being easily damaged or scratched. It’s an affordable gemstone - it costs a fraction of a diamond of comparable quality. This is one of the advantages of synthetic lab grown gems. (Learn more about lab grown diamonds here.)
Diamonds are traditional, beautiful and shimmering gems that have been a sought-after luxury for years. We adore them - they’re marvels of nature that take billions of years to form. However, there is no denying that moissanite is an incredible counterpart. You can own a jewelry piece with an incomparable sparkle that will last a lifetime and maintain its character over time.
At True Bijoux, we are accredited gemstone dealers, and will happily assist you in sourcing your very own moissanite. They’re an excellent choice for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or engagement rings. Click here to contact us regarding any questions you may have.