Moissanite Guide/Information
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite, is a naturally occurring mineral. However, the rarity of natural moissanite crystals large enough for jewelry prohibits their use. In 1998, Charles & Colvard introduced jewel-quality synthetic stone to the market under the name "moissanite". This gemstone possesses superior fire and brilliance to diamonds. Upon introduction, some jewelers even misidentified moissanite as diamond.
Is Moissanite a synthetic diamond?
No. Moissanite is it's own uniqe stone. Natural moissanite was discovered in 1893 by prominent French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan. Dr. Moissan began studying geological fragments of a meteorite taken from a meteor crater (Canyon Diablo) located in Arizona. In these fragments, he discovered minute quantities of a shimmering material. After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that this material was a new mineral, silicon carbide.
How does Moissanite compare to Cubic Zirconia?
Unlike cubic zirconia and other diamond simulants, moissanite does not cloud over time, and is extremely durable. For example, a 1-carat moissanite gem sells for about $500 (2007 USD), while a diamond of similar size and color typically sells for $4500 or more.
The Refractive Index (RI) of a gemstone is the most important optical property affecting its potential brilliance (sparkle). With an RI of 2.65 - 2.69, Moissanite displays more brilliance than diamond (RI 2.42) or any other popular gemstone, such as ruby (RI 1.77) and sapphire (RI 1.77).
Is Moissanite Durable?
Yes! In fact, the only stone harder than Moissanite is a Diamond.
Is Moissanite Hand-Cut or Mass-Produced?
Every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel is precisely calibrated and hand cut by a master technician to create maximum brilliance and to spark the ultimate fire.
How Is Moissanite Made?
Single-crystal Moissanite is manufactured through a patented thermal growing process, the specifics of which are proprietary. The process is very difficult and expensive, thus preventing mass production.
Is the Square Brilliant cut the same as the Princess cut?
No. There is what is called a Square Brilliant cut. For Moissanite, it is a better cut with 69 facets versus the Princess' 57 facets. More facets means more fire in your gem. However, it is still a square shaped gem, and therefore will still work in traditional Princess settings.
Does Moissanite have any identifying characteristics such as inclusions?
Though Moissanite is not sold with eye-visible inclusions, very tiny needle-like inclusions are inherent to the crystal growth process and can be seen under magnification.
Moissanite/Diamond Size Graph
3.0mm round = 0.10 ct tw
3.5mm round = 0.15 ct tw
4.0mm round = 0.25 ct tw
5.0mm round = 0.50 ct tw
5.5mm round = 0.66 ct tw
6.0mm round = 0.75 ct tw
6.5mm round = 1.00 ct tw
7.0mm round = 1.25 ct tw
7.5mm round = 1.50 ct tw
8.0mm round = 2.00 ct tw
8.5mm round = 2.50 ct tw
9.0mm round = 3.00 ct tw
9.5mm round = 3.50 ct tw
10mm round = 4.00 ct tw
11mm round = 5.00 ct tw
12mm round = 6.00 ct tw
13mm round = 8.00 ct tw
14mm round = 10.00 ct tw
15mm round = 12.00 ct tw
16mm round = 15.00 ct tw
How can they claim that moissanite is "rare"when silicon carbide is a very common abrasive?
Abrasives formed of silicon carbide powder are inexpensive to manufacture. Large single-crystal silicon carbide is extremely difficult to produce. Charles & Colvard have U.S. and international patent protection for moissanite jewels.
Clarity of Moissanite
Moissanite is not separated into grades (like diamond) because its manufacturer has set strict specifications that each stone must meet before being released to distributors. Those specifications are comparable to diamonds which have been graded VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included - Minor inclusions somewhat easy to locate at 10x magnification).
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