About Moissanite

1. What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. It is composed of silicon carbide and has a unique crystalline structure that gives it some remarkable properties.

One of the most important characteristics of Moissanite is its exceptional hardness, which makes it one of the most durable gemstones on earth. It also has a very high refractive index, which means that it reflects more light than almost any other gemstone, including diamonds.

Because of these properties, Moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamonds in jewellery, and is especially popular in engagement rings and other fine jewellery.

2. What is natural Moissanite?

Natural Moissanite is extremely rare, and is found only in a few locations around the world. It is formed under very specific geological conditions, and is usually found in small quantities.

Because natural Moissanite is so rare, it is generally not used in jewellery. Instead, most Moissanite jewellery is made using lab-grown Moissanite, which is easier to produce and more readily available.

3. What is lab-grown Moissanite?

Lab-grown Moissanite is produced using a process called chemical vapour deposition (CVD). In this process, a small seed crystal of Moissanite is placed in a vacuum chamber and heated to a high temperature. A gas containing silicon and carbon is then introduced into the chamber, and the resulting chemical reaction causes a layer of Moissanite to grow on the seed crystal.

This process can be repeated multiple times to create larger and larger crystals of Moissanite. The resulting gemstones are chemically and physically identical to natural Moissanite, but are much more affordable and easier to obtain.

4. Lab-grown Moissanite vs Natural Moissanite

While lab-grown Moissanite and natural Moissanite are chemically and physically identical, there are a few differences between the two that are worth noting.

The first is that natural Moissanite is extremely rare, and is found only in very small quantities. This makes it much more expensive than lab-grown Moissanite, which can be produced in large quantities and at a much lower cost.

The second difference is that natural Moissanite may have slight variations in colour and clarity, depending on the specific geological conditions under which it was formed. Lab-grown Moissanite, on the other hand, is more consistent in its colour and clarity, because it is produced under controlled conditions.

5. Lab-grown Moissanite vs Lab-grown Diamonds

Another popular alternative to diamonds in jewellery is lab-grown diamonds. While both lab-grown Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are man-made, there are a few key differences between the two.

The first is that lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, while Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide. This means that lab-grown diamonds have a different chemical composition and physical properties than Moissanite.

The second difference is that lab-grown diamonds are generally more expensive than lab-grown Moissanite, because the process of growing diamonds is more complex and time-consuming.

Finally, lab-grown diamonds may be subject to the same ethical concerns as natural diamonds, while Moissanite is generally considered to be a more ethical and sustainable choice.

6. Benefits of using lab-grown Moissanite in jewellery

There are several benefits to using lab-grown Moissanite in jewellery:

6.1 Cost-effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of lab-grown Moissanite is that it is significantly more affordable than natural diamonds or even natural Moissanite. This makes it an excellent alternative for those who want the look and feel of a diamond without the high price tag.

6.2 Durability

Lab-grown Moissanite is one of the hardest materials on the planet, with a score of 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and other damage, making it perfect for everyday wear.

6.3 Eco-friendly

Lab-grown Moissanite is a more sustainable and ethical choice than mined diamonds or other gemstones. It is produced in a controlled environment, which reduces the environmental impact and eliminates the risk of human rights violations associated with mining.

6.4 Ethical sourcing

Unlike natural diamonds, lab-grown Moissanite does not have any negative ethical implications, such as being associated with conflict diamonds. This makes it an ethical and responsible choice for those who are concerned about the social and environmental impact of their jewellery purchases.

6.5 Aesthetic appeal

Lab-grown Moissanite has a unique and stunning aesthetic appeal, with exceptional brilliance and fire that rivals or even exceeds that of natural diamonds. It also comes in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making it a versatile choice for any jewellery design.

7. Why choose jewellery made with lab-grown Moissanite

There are several compelling reasons to choose jewellery made with lab-grown Moissanite:

7.1 Affordability

As mentioned earlier, lab-grown Moissanite is significantly more affordable than natural diamonds or other gemstones, making it an excellent choice for those who want a beautiful and durable gemstone without breaking the bank.

7.2 Ethical and sustainable

Lab-grown Moissanite is a more ethical and sustainable choice than mined diamonds or other gemstones. It is produced without the environmental impact and ethical concerns associated with mining, making it a responsible choice for those who are concerned about the impact of their purchases.

7.3 Durability and longevity

Moissanite is one of the hardest materials on earth, which makes it an extremely durable and long-lasting choice for jewellery. It can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings or other jewellery that will be worn regularly.

7.4 Aesthetic appeal

Moissanite is a beautiful and unique gemstone with exceptional brilliance and fire that rivals or even exceeds that of natural diamonds. It also comes in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making it a versatile choice for any jewellery design.

7.5 Exclusivity

As natural Moissanite is extremely rare, lab-grown Moissanite offers a unique and exclusive alternative to diamonds and other gemstones. It allows customers to wear a beautiful and unique gemstone that is not commonly found in the market.

In conclusion, Moissanite is a stunning and durable gemstone that is a great alternative to diamonds in jewellery. Lab-grown Moissanite offers all the benefits of Moissanite at a fraction of the cost, with a more ethical and sustainable production process. Choosing jewellery made with lab-grown Moissanite is a responsible and beautiful choice that offers exceptional value and aesthetic appeal.