Moissanite - The Gem from the Stars
Moissanite, often referred to as “the gem from the stars,” has a captivating history. In 1893, renowned French chemist Henri Moissan made a remarkable discovery at a meteorite impact site in Arizona, where he unearthed several crystal specimens that resembled diamonds. Initially, these crystals were believed to be diamonds, but it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan realized they were, in fact, an entirely new substance—something never before encountered on Earth. To honor this groundbreaking discovery, this extraordinary gem was named Moissanite.
Since that moment, Moissanite has been discovered on several occasions, predominantly near meteorite impact sites. Though rare, it has occasionally been found on the surface of rough diamonds. However, compared to diamonds and other gemstones, natural Moissanite remains exceedingly scarce. If it were the only option available, its cost would be prohibitively high, making it a luxury that only a few could afford. The rarity of natural Moissanite is further compounded by the extreme conditions under which it forms—created by the high-speed collision of meteorites with Earth—making both its discovery and quality unpredictable. As such, Moissanite is not merely a substitute for diamonds; in fact, it is a rarity in its own right.
Laboratory-grown moissanite
On the Mohs scale of hardness, Moissanite ranks at an impressive 9.25, making it the third hardest substance on Earth, surpassed only by diamond (10) and boron nitride (9.5). Beyond its remarkable hardness, Moissanite also boasts a superior refractive index compared to diamonds. This means that when light strikes its surface, Moissanite emits a more intense and vibrant rainbow fire, making it even more dazzling than diamonds. Moissanite is not just a gemstone; it is a gift from the cosmos, a rare treasure that deserves our admiration and appreciation.
Is moissanite a fake diamond?
Imagine two people who bear an uncanny resemblance to each other despite having no blood relation. To the unknowing eye, they might even be mistaken for twins. But we could easily say one of them is "fake," yet we must look beyond appearances and understand the true nature of things, rather than judging them through biased lenses. In the 20th century, De Beers’ iconic slogan “A Diamond is Forever” captivated the world, and diamonds became synonymous with love and engagement. While this notion isn't entirely misplaced, as diamonds are indeed exceptional, one cannot ignore the fact that many people simply cannot afford them. As I often say, jewelry is meant to enhance one’s presence, but owning a diamond doesn’t guarantee a smooth path in love.
Gift from the Universe
Moissanite, however, is like a gift from the universe. It offers a perfect alternative when the cost of a diamond would strain one’s lifestyle. The person who truly loves you will not care about the material value of what you receive, but rather the sentiment behind it. If you adore diamond rings, Moissanite presents an option that allows you to indulge in the beauty of such designs without breaking the bank. Just as purchasing clothes doesn’t lead to bankruptcy, Moissanite makes it possible for everyone to enjoy elegant, meaningful pieces.
