WHAT IS MOISSANITE?
Moissanite is a fascinating gemstone that has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is moissanite and why is it often seen as an alternative to diamonds? In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history, properties and benefits of moissanite.
The discovery
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan, after whom the stone is named. Moissan found the first samples of this gemstone in a crater that had been created by a meteorite. He initially mistook the gemstone for diamond, as the two stones are similar in many properties. It was only later that it turned out to be a new mineral: silicon carbide.
Production and availability of moissanite
Natural moissanite is extremely rare and has only been found in a few meteorites. The stone that we see in jewellery today is therefore produced synthetically in laboratories. This production is carried out using a complex process that ensures that the synthetic moissanite has the same chemical and physical properties as its natural counterpart.
Properties of moissanite
Moissanite is known for its outstanding hardness and durability. On the Mohs hardness scale, it achieves a hardness of 9.5, making it one of the hardest materials used for jewellery. By comparison, diamonds have a hardness of 10, making the stone very scratch-resistant and ideal for everyday use.
Another outstanding feature is its fire or brilliance. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means that it refracts light more strongly and produces a more intense sparkle. This gives it an unmistakable lustre that appeals to many people
Comparison with diamond
Why are more and more people opting for this gemstone instead of diamonds? There are several reasons that make it an attractive alternative:
Hardness 9.5
With a hardness of 9.55 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is extremely hard-wearing and is perfect for everyday use. It is only just behind the diamond (10).
Price
Moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamond. This allows buyers to purchase larger or higher quality stones at a fraction of the price.
Variety of colours
Moissanite is available in both classic colourless variants and in fantasy colours (yellow, green, blue), which offers more options for individual jewellery design.
Durability
As mentioned earlier, Moissanite is extremely hard and durable, making it perfect for everyday use.
Eco-friendliness
Production has a smaller ecological footprint compared to diamond mining, which often has a significant environmental impact.
Brilliance
Moissanite has a higher light dispersion (2.7 compared to 2.42 for diamonds), which ensures more intense rainbow reflections. It is particularly striking in good light.
Appearance
Artificially produced moissanites almost always have perfect clarity and colour, which is rare and expensive in natural diamonds.
Ethics
As it is produced in a laboratory, there are no concerns about the ethically questionable practices often associated with diamond mining.
Care and cleaning
Cleaning
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush to clean the jewellery. Avoid aggressive chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Protection
Although the stone is very hard, it can be damaged by hard knocks. The jewellery should be kept safe during physical work.
Certification and quality
As with diamonds, there are also certificates for this gemstone that confirm its quality and authenticity. The Gemological Research Association (GRA) is one of the best-known institutions that certify these stones. A GRA certificate guarantees that the stone meets certain standards in terms of colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Colours
Moissanite is not only available in its classic, colourless version, but also in different colours. These range from yellowish to greenish and offer a variety of options for individual taste and style. Colourless moissanite is often considered the best alternative to diamonds, while the coloured varieties create unique and eye-catching pieces of jewellery.
CONCLUSION: Moissanite as an alternative
Moissanite is more than just a favourable alternative to diamonds. It offers an impressive combination of hardness, brilliance and ethical benefits. For many people, it is the perfect choice for beautiful, durable and responsibly produced jewellery. Moissanite is just the thing for anyone looking for a sparkling gemstone that is both stylish and practical.
