moissanite

Moissanite is a gemstone consisting of silicon carbide (SiC). Natural moissanite is extremely rare and tends to occur only in trace amounts in meteorites and some volcanic rocks. The material used in most jewelry today is laboratory-grown silicon carbide, produced in controlled conditions and marketed under the name moissanite.

The stone was first described by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 after he found crystalline silicon carbide in the Canyon Diablo meteorite. Because natural crystals are so scarce, modern moissanite available to consumers is predominantly synthetic. It was introduced as a diamond alternative in the jewelry market in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Moissanite has a hardness of about 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for daily wear. Its refractive index ranges roughly from 2.65 to 2.69, and its dispersion is high (about 0.104), which contributes to strong fire and brightness. The material also exhibits birefringence, which can cause two images of a facet to be seen from certain angles. Moissanite ranges from colorless to near-colorless, with some stones displaying subtle warm or cool tints depending on growth conditions and impurities. It is chemically and thermally stable and resistant to most acids and alkalis, though heat from soldering or impact can affect settings.

In jewelry, moissanite is mainly used as a diamond simulant or alternative, offering a lower price point and a distinctive sparkle due to its optical properties. It is commonly cut in standard shapes and sizes to maximize brilliance. Care is similar to other gemstones: clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh solvents, and protect it from hard impacts.