The Moissanite Story
Moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars. Originally discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater, it was initially mistaken for diamonds due to its remarkable similarity and sparkling brilliance. Moissanite, composed of silicon carbide (SiC), is naturally occurring but incredibly rare, hence virtually all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-grown.
Attributes of Moissanite
Moissanite rivals diamond in several ways. It is almost as hard as diamond, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. In terms of brilliance, moissanite outshines diamond, thanks to its higher refractive index. It emits more fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum) and has more brilliance (the stone's ability to reflect white light) than any other gemstone, including diamond.
Moreover, moissanite can be created in a variety of shapes and sizes without the substantial price increase seen with other gemstones. It also doesn't exhibit the same level of color change over time, maintaining its vibrant sparkle for a lifetime.
Manufacturing Moissanite
The process to create moissanite is technologically advanced yet simple. Silicon and carbon are blended to create silicon carbide, the crystalline form of moissanite. The created crystals are then cut into gemstones. The process allows for consistent quality and color, and the ability to produce the moissanite stone in various sizes.
Moissanite Across Industries
While moissanite is well known in the jewelry industry as a diamond alternative, it also has other applications. Due to its hardness and thermal conductivity, it's used in various industries for abrasive and cutting purposes. Its semi-conducting properties also make it valuable in electronics and communication industries.
Moissanite: The Ethical Choice
The appeal of moissanite isn't just in its physical attributes and affordability. As a lab-created stone, moissanite poses minimal environmental impact, unlike mined gemstones. There are no damaging mining practices involved in its creation, nor are there concerns over labor practices or conflict funding. As consumers become more aware and concerned about the origins of their purchases, moissanite's popularity is only set to increase.
The Promise of Moissanite
The future of moissanite appears to shine as bright as the gemstone itself. As technological advancements continue to improve the quality of lab-grown gemstones, and as more consumers opt for sustainable and ethical options, moissanite is well-positioned in the marketplace.
In essence, moissanite exemplifies a fusion of science and beauty. Its durability, brilliance, and affordability make it an appealing choice for a wide array of consumers. With its lower environmental impact and absence of ethical issues tied to its production, moissanite represents a major step towards a more sustainable and conscious future in the world of gemstones.