What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Often referred to as the gemstone from the stars, it was discovered in 1893 inside of a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Initially mistakenly identifying his discovery as diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined the crystals were, in fact, silicon carbide. This naturally occurring mineral form of what we now call moissanite was named in honor of Moissan later in his life.
In its natural form, moissanite remains very rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found it outside of meteorites: first, in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming, and then, the following year, as inclusions in rock in Russia.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment with advanced technology, it is easily traceable and requires no mining. This means moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and lessened environmental impact than a naturally mined gem.
Increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is now widely used in jewelry, especially as the center stone of engagement rings.
Is a Moissanite a Diamond?
No, a moissanite is not a diamond. Professionals grow them in laboratories because they are visually similar to diamonds, but compositionally they’re quite different. Diamonds are composed of carbon and moissanites are composed of silicon carbide.
While the untrained eye may visually perceive a moissanite as similar to a diamond, it has a higher refractive index — meaning it produces more rainbow ‘fire’ than a diamond when light hits the stone’s surface. Diamond is also physically harder than moissanite, which is a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale compared to a diamond’s rating of 10.
While they both feature dispersion, scintillation, and are both considered to be good thermal conductors, moissanites and diamonds are otherwise distinct.
Difference Between Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia
Both are popular alternatives to natural diamonds, offering a similar sparkle at a fraction of the cost. let's break down the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia in a straightforward way.
You know, they're both pretty sparkly and cost way less than diamonds, but here's what sets them apart.
Moissanite, first found in a meteorite, is a natural mineral, but most of the moissanite you see in jewelry is actually made in a lab. It's known for its dazzling sparkle and is quite tough, almost as hard as a real diamond.
On the flip side, cubic zirconia, or CZ for short, is entirely synthetic and created from zirconium dioxide crystals. It's budget-friendly and can look like a diamond, but it's not as durable as moissanite and might wear out faster.
So, when choosing between moissanite vs cubic zirconia for your bling, consider your style and how long you want your gem to shine. Moissanite is a bit tougher and closer to a real diamond, while CZ is more affordable but may need a little extra care over time.
