At AJewel.co.uk, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect gemstone for your special piece. While diamonds have long reigned supreme, a dazzling newcomer has emerged, captivating jewellery lovers with its brilliance, ethical appeal, and even a touch of cosmic mystique: moissanite.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide mineral. And here’s a fascinating fact: it was first discovered in a meteorite crater! Talk about a celestial origin! While natural moissanite is incredibly rare, virtually all moissanite used in jewellery today is lab-created. This process involves carefully controlled conditions that replicate the natural formation of moissanite, resulting in stunning gemstones with exceptional sparkle. Essentially, scientists have harnessed the power of the stars to bring this dazzling gem to earth. It was first discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He discovered particles of the gem in a crater created by a meteorite in Arizona. Initially, he thought he had found diamonds, but it turned out to be something much rarer.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Sparkling Showdown
Let’s face it, diamonds are the benchmark for brilliance and durability. But how does moissanite stack up?
- Brilliance: Moissanite boasts a higher refractive index than diamond, meaning it actually exhibits more fire and brilliance. That rainbow flash of light you see? Moissanite has it in spades.
- Hardness: On the Mohs Hardness Scale, diamond scores a perfect 10, the hardest known natural substance. Moissanite comes in at a respectable 9.25, making it incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. It’s more resistant to scratches and chips than many other gemstones.
- Colour: Moissanite is typically near-colourless, often falling within the G-H colour range on the diamond colour scale. Some may exhibit a slight yellowish or greyish tint, while others can be completely colourless. Like diamonds, colourless moissanite is highly prized.
- Clarity: Moissanite is often eye-clean, meaning it lacks visible inclusions. Just like diamonds, clarity can vary, but high-quality moissanite typically has minimal imperfections.
- Price: This is where moissanite truly shines. It’s significantly more affordable than diamonds, often costing a fraction of the price for a stone of comparable size and quality. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a large, dazzling stone without breaking the bank.
Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond: The Ethical Angle
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, possessing the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds. They offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. But how do they compare to moissanite?
- Composition: Lab-grown diamonds are pure carbon, while moissanite is silicon carbide. This difference in composition leads to variations in their optical properties.
- Brilliance: As mentioned earlier, moissanite generally exhibits more fire than a diamond, including lab-grown diamonds.
- Price: While lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds, moissanite is typically even less expensive.
- Ethical Considerations: Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite offer ethical and sustainable choices compared to mined diamonds. They avoid the environmental and social concerns often associated with diamond mining.
Why Choose Moissanite?
- Exceptional Brilliance: Moissanite’s superior fire and brilliance make it a truly eye-catching gemstone.
- Durability: With a hardness of 9.25, moissanite is durable enough for everyday wear.
- Affordability: Get the look of a large, dazzling stone without the hefty price tag of a diamond.
- Ethical and Sustainable: Lab-created moissanite is an environmentally conscious choice.
- Cosmic Connection: Own a piece of the stars! Moissanite’s origins in meteorites add a unique and fascinating dimension to its appeal.
Interested in using Moissanite in your next statement piece? Contact AJewel.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help.
