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There is that “one” kid that moves into a neighbourhood and has everyone talking in no time, including those that have being around for a long time. In this case, moissanite is rocking the jewel industry, displacing other gemstones and even contending with diamonds. However, none of this would have happened without the help of Henri Moissan, a notable French geologist and one-time Nobel Prize winner. He stumbled on the material in its naturally-occurring state when examining some rock samples in a meteor crater in Arizona.
Based on the mysterious circumstances surrounding moissanite’s discovery, many individuals assume that it is a “gemstone born from the stars.” Imagine rocking a piece of jewellery with an extra-terrestrial origin. That sounds cool, right? Sorry to kill the vibe, moissanite have been in existence long before its discovery. It occurs in several rock formations across the globe. What makes this gemstone unique and why should you go for it? Let’s find out in this comprehensive guide.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a fascinating gemstone that has gained popularity in recent years, especially as an alternative to diamonds. Discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, it is a naturally occurring silicon carbide. However, most of the moissanite available today is created in laboratories, which allows for more consistent quality and ethical sourcing.
What sets moissanite apart is its exceptional brilliance and fire. It has a higher refractive index than diamond, making it sparkle in ways that can sometimes outshine its more traditional counterpart. Moissanite is also known for its durability, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and other jewelry.
As a more affordable option (it often costs significantly less than diamonds), moissanite is perfect to those seeking beauty without the hefty price tag.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Is moissanite just a fake diamond? I hear you asking, and I guess it’s a question on many people’s mind, who’s trying to decide.
Perchance, you have jammed to the one-time favourite song by Rihanna and thought to yourself, “Diamonds are a must-have for me.” (Or for the older generation, we can also quote Marilyn Monroe, who sang: “Diamonds Are The Girl’s Best Friend“) But, let’s kindly take things slowly here. Diamonds are reflective – no doubt. However, it may surprise you to know that moissanite gives out more spectrum of light than this gemstone, up to 2.4 times more. This attribute is linked to its double-refraction properties. Hence, when you place a moissanite crystal and a diamond side-by-side, the former captures your eyes more than the latter. So, when next the “diamond” song pops up, it will be ideal to remember that there is a gemstone better than it.
Other Qualities Worth Mentioning
Moissanite is not an all-talk-no-action gemstone. What do I mean by this statement? Surprisingly, it is the second hardest precious material, next to diamond. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 9.5, while its cousin sits at 10. Purchasing this jewel implies that it can last beyond a lifetime. So, regardless of your activities, you can be assured of your moissanite engagement ring living up to your expectations.
Another appealing aspect of moissanite is its affordability You don’t have to save up tens of thousands of dollars to purchase a moissanite engagement ring or wedding ring. This feature makes it highly sought-after by couples and other individuals alike. There is always a gemstone for your budget size, even if you have “just” $300. However, that does not make it less valuable. You have to consider its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
Is Moissanite Cheaper Than a Diamond?
Now, the price of course is a real deal breaker before you make a purchase decision and invest into expensive jewelery.
How Much Cheaper is Moissanite Compared to Diamond?
When considering alternatives to diamonds, many people are curious about the price differences, especially regarding moissanite. On average, moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamonds, often costing about 10% to 30% of a diamond’s price.
How Much Does a 1 Carat Moissanite Cost?
For example, a one-carat moissanite can range from $300 to $600, while a comparable diamond can fetch anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on quality and clarity.
Can You Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond?
You might wonder if you can distinguish between moissanite and diamond.
While both stones share similar appearances, a few key differences set them apart. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional brilliance and hardness, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite, with a score of 9.25, is slightly less durable. Moissanite tends to exhibit a unique play of colors in its brilliance, often reflecting yellow and green hues under certain lights, which diamonds generally do not.
Final Verdict on Moissanite
Some people classify moissanite as diamond replicas or knock-offs. However, this is a far-fetched notion. Here is a fact: moissanite is a jewel on its own, just like emerald and rubies. It is neither a fake or counterfeit diamond. For this reason, I discussed its unique properties in other sections of this guide.
If you want an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is your go-to gemstone. Besides, you will get value for your money rocking this piece of jewellery. With the right ring band, you are good to go. So, it is time to hit the retail store and order any moissanite jewel of choice.