Moissanite
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a stone that has become increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds for engagement rings, wedding rings and other jewelry. But what exactly is moissanite and why should you choose it over diamonds?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal made up of silicon carbide. It was first discovered by the French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893, in a meteorite from Arizona. However, moissanite occurs in very small amounts in nature and that is why moissanite stones are created synthetically in laboratories today.
Moissanite is known for its high hardness and brilliance. It is actually the second hardest gemstone after diamond on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite also has a higher refractive index than diamond which means it has more reflection and shine.
Why should I choose moissanite over diamonds?
There are several reasons why one chooses moissanite over diamonds:
The price : Moissanite costs only a fraction of what diamonds cost. This allows you to get a larger stone for the same price or a smaller stone for much less money.
Durability : Moissanite is much harder than other gemstones and is therefore more durable. It is less likely to scratch or crack with daily use.
Brilliance : Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds which means it has more reflection and shine than diamonds. This can result in a moissanite looking larger than a diamond of the same carat weight and gives it a spectacular luster that can make it look even more beautiful than a diamond.
Environmentally friendly : Moissanite is created synthetically in laboratories and therefore does not impact the environment as much as diamonds mined in mines.
Ethics : The diamond industry has long struggled with ethical issues, such as that diamonds are mined by forced labor and finance wars and conflicts around the world. By choosing moissanite instead of diamonds, you can contribute to an ethical and fair trade.