Moissanite History & Facts

Question: What Are Moissanites?

Answer: Moissanites are a type of gemstone that are made of silicon carbide (SiC) and are similar in appearance to diamonds. They were first discovered in a meteor crater in Arizona by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 and are named after him.

Moissanites are naturally occurring, but they are extremely rare, so most are now created in a lab. They are known for their exceptional brilliance and fire, which is why they are often used as an affordable alternative to diamonds in jewelry. Moissanites are also harder than many other gemstones, making them durable and resistant to scratching and chipping.

Question: Is Moissanite a brand of diamond or simulated diamond?

Answer: Moissanite is not a brand of diamond; it is a naturally occurring mineral also known as silicon carbide (SiC). It is not a diamond, but it is an alternative to diamond that is created in a lab, unlike diamond that is mined from the earth. Moissanite is known for its brilliance and fire and is often used as a diamond simulant in jewelry because it has similar properties to diamond in terms of its appearance and durability but is significantly more affordable. Some people choose moissanite as an alternative option to diamond due to its ethical and environmental impact. Moissanite is also eco-friendly and lab-created, which is a more sustainable option.

Brilliance & Fire Dispersion

Question: What properties of Moissanite make it sparkle?

Answer: Moissanite's sparkle is a result of its unique optical properties, which include:

1. High refractive index: Moissanite has a high refractive index, which means that light entering the stone is bent at a sharp angle. This causes light to reflect and refract multiple times inside the stone, creating a brilliant sparkle.

2. High dispersion: Moissanite has a high dispersion, which means it can split light into its spectral colors, creating a rainbow-like effect known as fire.

3. High luster: Moissanite has a high luster, which is the amount of light that reflects off the surface of the gemstone. This gives Moissanite a shiny and sparkling appearance.

4. High durability: Moissanite is a durable gemstone; it can withstand daily wear and tear and resist scratches, chips, and other damage. This makes Moissanite a great option for jewelry that is worn often.

All these properties together make Moissanite one of the most brilliant and sparkly gemstones available and a great alternative to diamonds.

Question: What gives Moissanite its fire?

Answer: Moissanite's fire is a result of its high refractive index and dispersion. Refractive index is a measure of how much a gemstone bends light as it enters and exits the stone. A higher refractive index means that light is bent more, creating more internal reflections and resulting in greater brilliance. Dispersion is the ability of a gemstone to split light into its spectral colors, creating a rainbow-like effect known as fire. Moissanite has a higher refractive index and dispersion than diamond, which is why it is known for its exceptional fire and brilliance.

Question: Will the brilliance or fire of Moissanites fade over time?

Answer: Moissanites are considered a durable gemstone and can withstand daily wear and tear. However, it is possible for the brilliance and fire of a Moissanite to decrease due to environmental factors such as exposure to heat and chemicals.

It's important to note that Moissanites are not natural stones like diamonds and other precious gemstones but are lab-created. So, in the same way lab-created diamonds

have a longer lifespan than natural diamonds, Moissanites also have a longer lifespan than natural gemstones.

Cleaning Moissanite with a mild detergent and warm water, and drying it thoroughly will help to remove any dirt and grime that can dull its sparkle.

Question: Why are Moissanites sold by millimeter rather than carats?

Answer: Moissanites are sold by millimeter rather than carats because the density of Moissanite is different from that of diamond. Therefore, a 6.5mm Moissanite will have a different weight than a 6.5mm diamond. The carat weight is dependent on the density of the stone. Because Moissanite is significantly less dense than diamond, a 6.5mm Moissanite will weigh less than a 6.5mm diamond. Carat weight is a standard unit of measurement for diamonds but not for Moissanite. Additionally, the millimeter measurement is more accurate as it directly measures the size of the gemstone rather than estimating the weight. As a result, sellers of Moissanite use millimeters as a more precise measurement for size and weight.

Quality, Hardness, & Toughness

Question: Are Moissanites resistant to scratches?

Answer: Moissanite is relatively resistant to scratches compared to other gemstones, as it has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 9.25. It's harder than most common gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and even rubies, but it's just below the diamond, which is rated as a 10. However, no gemstone is completely scratch-proof. Moissanite can scratch over time with everyday wear and tear, just like any other gemstone. However, it is less likely to scratch than other gemstones of similar hardness.

Question: How durable are Moissanites?

Answer: Moissanite is a durable gemstone and is known for its excellent resistance to scratches and abrasions. Moissanite's hardness on the Mohs scale is 9.25, which makes it harder than most common gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and even rubies. Its hardness is just below that of a diamond, which is rated as a 10. This makes Moissanite very suitable for everyday wear, and it's a great option for jewelry that will be worn often.

Moissanite is also resistant to chipping and breaking, making it a great option for rings, bracelets, and other jewelry that may be exposed to knocks and impacts. Additionally, Moissanite is resistant to discoloration, so it's a great option for those who want a gemstone that will maintain its color over time.

Although Moissanite is durable and resistant to damage, it's still important to take proper care of your Moissanite jewelry to ensure it lasts for many years to come. Proper cleaning and storage can help protect your Moissanite from damage, and regular maintenance can help keep it looking its best.

Question: Are Moissanites heat resistant?

Answer: Moissanite has heat resistance properties superior to many other jewels, including diamond. Tests prove that at over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit), Moissanite gems remain intact and as brilliant as the day they were created. Moissanite is a relatively stable and hard material and can withstand typical jeweler's repairs such as soldering and sizing. However, it is recommended to take it to a professional who is familiar with the handling of Moissanite.

Moissanite Certification

Question: Are Moissanites certified? (GRA certificate)

Answer: There is no official certification for Moissanite. GRA certified Moissanites are not inspected by any

gemstone laboratory, and the certificates that come with them are pre-printed and not based on any inspection of the stone. Many vendors use GRA certification to mimic diamond grading and certification, but it's important to understand that these certificates are not accurate and do not reflect the true quality of the Moissanite. If you want to get your Moissanite graded and certified, it's best to send it to a reputable gemstone laboratory such as IGI or GIA.

Repairs & Care

Question: How should I care for Moissanite?

Answer: Moissanite is a durable and hard gemstone, but it still requires proper care to maintain its brilliance and fire. Clean Moissanite regularly by using a mild soap and water to clean Moissanite jewelry or a specific solution for cleaning diamonds. Be cautious with cleaning chemicals, as some can damage the surface of Moissanite. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia on Moissanite.

Question: Can Moissanites withstand repairs and sizing?

Answer: Moissanite can withstand repairs and sizing, but it is important to have it done by a professional jeweler who is experienced in working with Moissanite. Moissanite is a durable gemstone, but it is still a lab-created stone and not as hard as a diamond, so some care should be taken when resizing, repairing, or setting it.

Resizing a Moissanite ring is possible, but it is a delicate process that should be done by a skilled jeweler. It's important to be aware that resizing a Moissanite ring may affect its brilliance and fire, so it is essential to choose a jeweler who has experience working with Moissanite and can minimize the impact on the stone.

Question: Can Moissanites be reset into new jewelry?

Answer: Yes, Moissanite can be reset into new jewelry. In fact, many people who purchase Moissanite gemstones choose to have them reset into new, updated styles of jewelry. Moissanite is a versatile stone that can be reset into a wide range of jewelry designs, including engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and more.

When resetting Moissanite, it's important to choose a jeweler who has experience working with the stone. Moissanite is a lab-created stone and is not as hard as a diamond, so it requires a different set of skills to work with. A skilled jeweler will be able to reset Moissanite into new jewelry without affecting its brilliance and fire.

Lab Created Gemstones

Question: Are lab-created gemstones real or artificial?

Answer: Lab-created gemstones are cultured just like you would culture a pearl. Natural ingredients are placed in an environment created to duplicate nature. Once the required combination of chemical and environmental factors is created, gemstone crystals grow over the course of about a year (the exact length of time depends on the variety). As a result, the crystals grown have physical, chemical, and optical properties that are identical to those found in nature.

Question: Can I tell the difference between created gemstones and mined gemstones?

Answer: It can be difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference between lab-created gemstones and mined gemstones, as they often have similar physical properties and visual characteristics.

When it comes to Moissanites, the difference is not as obvious, as Moissanites are created to mimic the look of a diamond, and it can be difficult to tell them apart from a mined diamond. A professional gemologist can use advanced equipment and techniques to identify whether a gemstone is lab-created or mined.

Question: Do lab-created gemstones look better than their mined counterparts?

Answer: Whether lab-created gemstones look better than their mined counterparts is a matter

of personal preference. Some people prefer the unique characteristics and natural beauty of mined gemstones, while others prefer the consistent quality and lower environmental impact of lab-created gemstones. Lab-created gemstones can have a higher level of purity and clarity than their mined counterparts since they are created in a controlled environment.

In terms of Moissanites, lab-created Moissanites are made to be optically and physically similar to mined diamonds. They can have similar refractive indexes, dispersion, and brilliance as mined diamonds, which can make them look very similar to a mined diamond.

In summary, lab-created gemstones can offer consistent quality and lower environmental impact, while mined gemstones offer unique characteristics and natural beauty. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Question: Are Moissanites enhanced or color-treated?

Answer: No, Moissanites are not enhanced or color-treated. All gemstones are grown in a lab under a controlled environment, producing the purest color possible. The chemical structure and coloring agents of Moissanite are equivalent to those found in its mined counterparts. Colorless Moissanite is created through a process of high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) that removes any impurities and yellow or gray tints, making it colorless. Some manufacturers may also use a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to create colorless Moissanite.

Question: Are Moissanites as durable as Diamonds?

Answer: Moissanite is a very durable gemstone, but it is not as hard as a diamond. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), diamond is a 10 and Moissanite is a 9.25. Moissanite's durability and hardness make it suitable for everyday wear, and it is a great option for those looking for a durable, sparkly gemstone that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Question: Will Moissanite color fade or change over time?

Answer: Moissanites are known for their durability and resistance to fading or discoloration. However, like any other gemstone, the color of a Moissanite can change when exposed to extreme heat from a jeweler's torch during jewelry repair. But with proper bench techniques, there will be no lasting damage, and the stone will return to its normal color once it cools.

Color, Cut, & Clarity

Question: Do Moissanites have inclusions?

Answer: Moissanites, like most gemstones, may have inclusions. Inclusions are natural internal characteristics that are present in the mineral, such as mineral crystals, fractures, or bubbles. They are caused by natural processes that occur during the formation of the mineral. Moissanites, being lab-created, are grown in a controlled environment, which makes it possible to produce gemstones with fewer inclusions than natural gemstones. Moissanite is expected to have small inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye and should not affect the appearance of the gemstone.

Question: Are Moissanites cut to an ideal cut?

Answer: Moissanites are often cut to ideal proportions, which means that they are cut to a specific set of angles and measurements to maximize their brilliance and fire, similar to diamonds. The ideal cut Moissanite will have a high level of fire and sparkle, which makes it more attractive and appealing. However, not all Moissanites are cut to ideal proportions, as some sellers may cut them to a different standard to reduce the cost. It is important to note that, like all gemstones, the cut of a Moissanite can greatly affect its overall appearance, so it's important to purchase from a reputable seller.

Question: How are Moissanites graded on clarity?

Answer: Moissanites are graded on clarity in a similar way to diamonds. The standard method used to grade Moissanite clarity is based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale. The GIA clarity scale has six categories, with included and eye-clean being the best, and heavily included being the worst.

It's important to note that Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. This means that Moissanite is expected to have small inclusions, but they are not visible to the naked eye and do not affect the appearance of the gemstone.

Question: What are the 4Cs of Moissanite? Answer: The 4Cs stand for color, clarity, carat weight, and cut, and they make up a grading system that determines the quality and price of a Moissanite. For more detailed information, please follow the link: The 4c's of moissanite