Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone, originally found in meteorites(Chemical name: Silicon Carbide). It was first discovered in 1893, while a scientist was examining meteor samples from a crater in Arizona. After many years, scientists have been able to recreate moissanite in the laboratory, that makes the gemstone ethical and affordable.
Can ordinary people tell the difference between moissanite and real diamond?
Moissanite and Diamond are both clear and sparkly. Moissanite and Diamonds are practically indistinguishable with the naked eye. In fact, even under a microscope, they are rarely different. A gemologist has to have a special tool to determine if a stone is a diamond or moissanite.
However, Moissanite should not be considered as a fake diamond. It is a gemstone with its own unique beauty. Since moissanite looks a lot like a diamond, it has become the most popular alternative to diamonds nowadays.
Why choose moissanite?
Hardness: On the Moh's Hardness Scale, moissanite is rated as 9.25, which is higher than all other gemstones except diamond (Hardness grade: 10) meaning it will survive daily wear and tear just the same as a diamond would. Moissanites durability is excellent!
Fire/Brilliance: The Brilliance Refractive Index of moissanite is 2.65 - 2.69 on the scale, even a diamonds refractive index is not as high as this (Brilliance Refractive Index: 2.42). Its fire dispersion is over 4x greater than any other popular gemstone!