What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a near-colorless gemstone that’s composed of silicon carbide. First discovered by Henri Moissan, a French scientist, moissanite was originally found in the crater left behind by a fallen meteor. In addition to the diamond’s signature brilliance, the gemstones also emit fire, which is the reflection of colored, or rainbow light. Moissanite also gives off a vibrant colored light reflection. In some cases and under certain light, the moissanite emits extensive color dazzling—it's a reason someone likes it a lot.

Advantages of Moissanite

Moissanites offer several unique advantages over diamonds, although these may not be seen as advantages for everyone:

• Price. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamond, meaning you’ll be able to purchase a larger stone at a lower price. This can be a significant advantage if you’re on a limited budget.
  
  
• Clarity. Because moissanite is produced artificially, they’re generally not sold unless they have a high clarity grade. This means that it’s rare to find moissanite with obvious inclusions and blemishes.
  
  
• Lab-Created. Although this is likely a downside for most, some people might appreciate the technology that goes into moissanite. If you’re concerned about the ethical side of buying a diamond, this may also be an advantage for you. Also, moissanite is lab-grown with minimal environmental impact.
  
  
• Brilliance. Moissanites have a high refractive index and a strong level of brilliance, with a noticeable level of color. Although some people find them unnaturally sparkly, this is an advantage if you’re looking for a very bright, eye-catching stone.
  
  
• Diversity-Because of its durability, moissanite can be found in a variety of cuts, which give jewelry designers a plethora of options for moissanite engagement rings and other jewelry settings.
  
  

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy?

Unlike cubic zirconia, which can degrade in appearance over time, moissanite does not become cloudy with age. Over time, dirt, oils, and other substances can build up on the surface of moissanite, making it appear cloudy. However, this can be cleaned away without affecting the true appearance of the stone.

Does Moissanite Last?

Yes. Moissanites are strong, long-lasting gemstones. Moissanite would last for your entire life without losing its appearance or becoming damaged. If you choose a setting that’s made from a high-quality metal such as platinum or gold, a moissanite ring will last for a very long time.

Where Does Moissanite Come From?

In its natural state, moissanite comes from space. As we mentioned above, moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan in Arizona more than a century ago, inside the crater that was left behind when a meteor landed on earth. Natural moissanite deposits have also been found around the world in Wyoming and certain parts of Russia. However, due to the limited supply of naturally-occurring moissanite on earth, the moissanite used for jewelry is produced artificially in a laboratory environment.