Jewelry lovers, gather around! If you've been captivated by the sparkling beauty of moissanite, you're in for a treat. This gemstone, often mistaken for diamonds, has some truly fascinating aspects to it. Let's dive into the world of moissanite and uncover 10 amazing facts that might just make you fall even more in love with it.
1. Discovered in a Meteor Crater
Henri Moissan, a French chemist, first discovered tiny particles of this dazzling gem in 1893. He unearthed moissanite while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. At first, he thought they were diamonds, but further investigation revealed something entirely new and extraterrestrial.
2. Named After Its Discoverer
The gem is named moissanite in honor of Henri Moissan. Although he found the mineral over a century ago, it took decades before scientists could recreate it in a lab to be used for jewelry.
3. Almost as Hard as Diamonds
On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores a 9.25, just slightly below diamonds, which sit at a perfect 10. This makes moissanite one of the hardest substances on Earth, highly resistant to scratching and ideal for daily wear.
4. Superior Brilliance
Moissanite is known for its fire and brilliance. It has a higher refractive index (2.65 - 2.69) than diamonds (2.42), meaning it reflects more light and sparkles brighter. This zestful gleam is one of the key reasons people are drawn to it.
5. Ethical and Eco-Friendly
Usually created in laboratories, moissanite is an ethically sourced gemstone. Using lab-grown moissanite means no mining is involved, making it environmentally friendly and a popular choice for those concerned about sustainability.
6. More Affordable
Compared to diamonds, moissanite is significantly more affordable. You can get a larger, more dazzling moissanite gemstone for a fraction of the price of a similarly sized diamond.
7. Color Varieties
While most people recognize moissanite as a sparkling white gem, it is also available in a range of hues including yellow, green, and gray. These color variations provide more options for unique and personalized jewelry designs.
8. Heat Resistant
Moissanite can withstand extremely high temperatures, up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This characteristic makes it not only durable for everyday wear but also safe for various jewelry-making processes.
9. Does Not Lose Its Sparkle
One of the wonderful benefits of moissanite is that it does not accumulate grime or dirt as readily as diamonds. This means it stays brilliant and sparkly longer, requiring less frequent cleaning.
10. Gaining Popularity
Over the last few decades, moissanite's popularity has surged, particularly for engagement rings. Its combination of beauty, durability, and ethical sourcing makes it a compelling alternative to traditional diamonds.
Moissanite is truly a gem with a rich history and intriguing qualities. Whether you already own a moissanite piece or are considering purchasing one, knowing these facts can only deepen your appreciation for this marvelous stone.