Moissanite is a relatively new gemstone in the jewelry world, gaining popularity due to its brilliance and resemblance to diamonds. However, unlike diamonds, moissanite is a synthetic product produced in a laboratory. But what are the technical characteristics that distinguish it from other gems?
Chemical composition and crystalline structure
Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC) and is classified as a mineral. Due to its synthetic origin, however, moissanite can have a chemical purity of 99.9% or higher, unlike natural moissanites which often contain impurities.
The crystalline structure of moissanite is similar to that of diamonds, with a hexagonal crystallization system. However, moissanite is a little denser than diamonds and has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 9.25, very similar to the hardness of diamonds which are rated 10 on the same scale.
Brilliance and dispersion
Moissanite is famous for its brilliance and dispersion, which results in a large amount of reflected and refracted light. The brilliance of moissanite is superior to that of diamonds due to its ability to reflect light more evenly across its surface.
Dispersion, on the other hand, refers to moissanite's ability to separate white light into its spectral components, thus creating moissanite's famous "fire", i.e. the dispersion of color throughout the entire gem. The dispersion of moissanite is higher than that of diamonds, meaning that moissanites appear more colorful and sparkling than diamonds.
Coloring
Moissanites are available in different colors, including colorless, yellow, green, pink, blue and gray. Colorless moissanites are the most common and the ones that most resemble diamonds, but colored moissanites can be used to create unique and striking jewelry.
Cut
The cut of moissanite is a key factor in determining its beauty and value. As with diamonds, the cut of moissanite affects its brilliance, dispersion and overall appearance. The ideal cuts for moissanite are similar to those of diamonds, such as the round brilliant cut or the pear cut.
Price
Moissanite is generally less expensive than diamonds of comparable size and quality, making it a popular choice for consumers looking for a high-quality gemstone at a more accessible price. However, the price of moissanite can vary depending on its carat weight, cut, clarity and color.
Chemical composition and crystalline structure
Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC) and is classified as a mineral. Due to its synthetic origin, however, moissanite can have a chemical purity of 99.9% or higher, unlike natural moissanites which often contain impurities.
The crystalline structure of moissanite is similar to that of diamonds, with a hexagonal crystallization system. However, moissanite is a little denser than diamonds and has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 9.25, very similar to the hardness of diamonds which are rated 10 on the same scale.
Brilliance and dispersion
Moissanite is famous for its brilliance and dispersion, which results in a large amount of reflected and refracted light. The brilliance of moissanite is superior to that of diamonds due to its ability to reflect light more evenly across its surface.
Dispersion, on the other hand, refers to moissanite's ability to separate white light into its spectral components, thus creating moissanite's famous "fire", i.e. the dispersion of color throughout the entire gem. The dispersion of moissanite is higher than that of diamonds, meaning that moissanites appear more colorful and sparkling than diamonds.
Coloring
Moissanites are available in different colors, including colorless, yellow, green, pink, blue and gray. Colorless moissanites are the most common and the ones that most resemble diamonds, but colored moissanites can be used to create unique and striking jewelry.
Cut
The cut of moissanite is a key factor in determining its beauty and value. As with diamonds, the cut of moissanite affects its brilliance, dispersion and overall appearance. The ideal cuts for moissanite are similar to those of diamonds, such as the round brilliant cut or the pear cut.
Price
Moissanite is generally less expensive than diamonds of comparable size and quality, making it a popular choice for consumers looking for a high-quality gemstone at a more accessible price. However, the price of moissanite can vary depending on its carat weight, cut, clarity and color.