What Is Moissanite?

Whether you’re searching for the perfect engagement ring, bridal set, or just a thoughtful gift like a sparkly new bracelet or necklace, then moissanite is a great choice. Moissanite stones closely resemble diamonds, and they’re both known for their exceptional clarity, strength, and their ability to be cut into stunning multi-faceted gems.

Depending on which jeweler you shop with, you’ll likely hear different opinions about the stone. Some jewelers regard moissanite as an excellent alternative to traditional diamonds, while traditionalists tend to think of moissanite as a type of “counterfeit diamond.”

The reality is that moissanite is a gemstone in and of itself. Sure, you can compare it to a diamond, and the two share some similar properties, but both of these stones are created from different elements.

So, what is moissanite?

Today, we’re going to show you everything that you need to know about this intriguing gem and what makes it such a popular alternative to expensive diamonds.

Moissanite was named after the famous Nobel prize recipient Henri Moissan. Moissan was a French chemist who was on the search for new and exciting elements. So, naturally, when he discovered that there were remains of a giant meteorite in Arizona, he decided to take a look and see what he could find.

The most notable discovery that he made were diamond-like crystals, which he later identified as silicon carbide. He named the crystals Moissanite in honor of his discovery in 1892.

Moissanite is rarely found on our planet and is only found where meteorites have previously landed. This means that almost all modern moissanite is made in a lab (like most diamonds).

The Chemical Properties Of Moissanite

As we mentioned, moissanite is made from a mineral known as silicon carbide. In its natural form, silicon carbide looks shiny and metallic. It’s incredibly hard and has a variety of different uses. Some of the most common uses are for carbon-ceramic breaks and bulletproof vests!

However, when silicon carbide is compressed under extreme heat and pressure (in a gem-making machine), it forms a bright, clear crystal. This can then be cut and polished into the brilliant Forever One moissanite (the highest grade of GIA-certified clarity).

How Hard Is Moissanite?

The Mohs hardness scale is used to determine how hard certain crystals and elements are on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.

Moissanite registers as a 9.25 on the scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones you can get. The only gem harder than moissanite is diamond, which registers at a 10.

How Much Does Moissanite Cost?

The cost of moissanite varies depending on its cut, the material used for the band, and its clarity rating. However, you could expect an average Forever One near-colorless moissanite crystal to cost around $1,200 for a 1-carat stone. This makes it considerably cheaper than 1-carat diamonds of similar cut and quality (which would cost around $3,000).