An imitation diamond or a natural mineral that came to us from outer space? There are many different speculations surrounding moissanites. We invite you to take a closer look at the mysterious stone.
Moissanite is a rare gem. The amount of this beautiful mineral with a diamond luster is negligible in nature. It can only be found in corundum deposits, kimberlite rock and some meteorites. And this is the main thing to remember when you see the word “moissanite” on a jewelry label - it will always not be a natural stone, but its artificially grown brother - carborundum or silicon carbide.
But in space there is quite a lot of real moissanite. It is found in dust clouds formed from carbon. And the study of the Murchison meteorite led scientists to the conclusion that the silicon carbide it contains was formed far beyond the solar system.
Moissanite: what kind of stone is it, its history
Moissanite is a gem that was first created artificially and then discovered as natural stones in nature.
Moissanite single crystal ~1 mm in size
The history of synthetic moissanite begins in 1824, when chemist John Berzelius decided to create an analogue of diamond from silicon carbide. The idea was implemented by Edward Acheson in 1893. He designed a furnace and produced silicon carbide powder, patenting it as carborundum.
Moissonite of natural origin was first discovered in the remains of a meteorite that fell in the US state of Arizona. Ferdinand Moissan, who found the gems, studied the properties and proved that the mineral is an independent unit, and not a diamond or its type. In honor of him, the American gemologist George Kunz suggested calling the stone moissanite.
Today, jewelry synthetic crystals are produced only in a few countries, among which it is worth noting the USA, China and Russia.
Where are moissanites found?
The main “deposit” of natural moissanites is meteorites that fell to Earth. But the grains extracted from there are no larger than 4 mm.
Moissanite single crystal ~1 mm in size
The stone is mined in kimberlite pipes, sometimes along with sapphire corundum. Rare, but found inside nugget diamonds.
Physicochemical characteristics
In terms of chemical composition, moissanite is silicon carbide with the simplest formula SiC. Impurities include iron, titanium and other elements that affect the color of the gem.
Main physical characteristics:
| Index | Description |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5-9.5 units |
| Density | 3.2 g/cm³ |
| Shine | Glass, metal, diamond |
| Transparency | Absolutely transparent, translucent, translucent |
| Kink | Conchoidal |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
| Refractive index | 2,967 |
| Melting temperature | More than 1500°C |
Synthetic moissanite
Artificial moissanite is grown in two varieties: technical and jewelry. Technical crystals have a dark color, while jewelry stones are characterized by absolute transparency, purity and radiance.
Ring with synthetic moissanite
The moissanite synthesis process can be performed in five ways:
- by sintering silica and carbon at temperatures from 1600°C;
- by crystallization from a liquid state;
- by the Lely method - silicon carbide at a temperature of 2500°C undergoes a sublimation stage, after which the temperature decreases and the composition precipitates;
- by supplementing the Lely method - heating silicon carbide in a graphite crucible;
- by conversion from methane.
As a result of using any method, synthetic moissanite of the required grade is obtained.
Moissanite production
The simplest way to produce stone is to sinter silica with carbon. This happens in a special oven, which was mentioned above, at very high temperatures - 1600–2500 °C. Here I would like to mention one more feature of synthetic moissanites - they are very refractory and can withstand temperatures of at least 1500 °C (diamond burns at 800 °C).
In addition, there is Lelya’s method. At 2500 °C, silicon carbide sublimates and deposits at lower temperatures on the substrate in the form of high-quality flake crystals. This process can be further improved by using induction heating in graphite crucibles.
Varieties
Moissanite is divided into varieties depending on color.
Solid moissanite ring
The natural mineral comes in two colors: dark green and black. The structure of the crystals is opaque, sizes vary from 0.5 to 4 mm.
The most common varieties of synthesized moissanite are:
- colorless, completely transparent specimens, which after cutting are considered an imitation diamond;
- jewelry crystals colored in yellow, green, blue, brown and black shades;
- specimens of dark colors intended for technical purposes.
Artificial moissanite, depending on the form of release, is:
- powdery;
- in the form of abrasive crumbs;
- crystals for jewelry, size 4-12 mm.
How to distinguish moissanite from diamond and cubic zirconia
In jewelry, synthetic moissanite is used as an imitation of diamonds. And at the same time, it is actively counterfeited, passing off cheaper stones – cubic zirconia – as this gem.
Moissanite and diamonds
Stud earrings with moissanite
Both stones have the same composition, but the properties are slightly different:
- unlike a diamond, which sinks in water, moissanite remains on the surface;
- when exposed to open fire, moissanite acquires a green tint, while the color of the diamond does not change;
- Visible traces of sweat and grease remain on the surface of the diamond from touch; this is not typical for moissanite;
- when examining the growth zones of synthetic moissanite under a microscope, you can see evenly spaced round grooves, and in a diamond - chaotically located zigzags and areas of unusual shape;
- Man-made moissanite has a brighter shine compared to diamonds.
Moissanite and cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia, which is ten times cheaper, is often used as an imitation of moissanite. It has low strength, which negatively affects the integrity of the crystals. Cubic zirconia darkens and becomes cloudy over time.
You can distinguish moissanite from cubic zirconia in the following way. Draw a line on a white sheet of paper with a black pencil. If you look at the line through a diamond or moissanite, it will not be visible. When viewing through cubic zirconia, the pattern will be clearly visible.
How to identify origin
Moissanite is both an imitation and an object of counterfeit.
You can independently distinguish the origin in several ways.
Diamond
Diamond and moissanite are considered “twins”: their formula and composition are identical.
A ring with a diamond
The following factors allow you to independently distinguish a diamond from moissanite:
- Examine through a magnifying glass or microscope under the light of a lamp of the growth zone. In grown stones, the growth lines look like ordered, rounded grooves; in diamonds, they are chaotic zigzags or sections.
- Moissanite floats in water, but diamond sinks.
- Look through the stone: moissanite will reveal twice the number of facets.
- A flame (even from a match) does not change the color of the diamond; moissanite turns green.
The easiest way is to take a sample with your hands. The fingerprint will only remain on the diamond.
cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is often offered under the guise of moissanite. It is cheaper, easily becomes cloudy, dark, and chips.
cubic zirconia
A sheet of white paper will help you distinguish between cubic zirconia and moissanite. A black dot is drawn on it and the sample is placed on it with the flat side. The pattern under the cubic zirconia will be clearly visible in all edges and will retain its dimensions.
The magic of mineral
Natural stones have been absorbing magical power and energy from the depths of the Earth for thousands of years. Moissanite, which is created in laboratory conditions, does not have such properties. He is like an empty vessel that a person can fill with his energy.
If the energy is positive, then the crystal will accumulate it and share it with others over time. The same will happen if the stone witnesses constant anger and ungodly deeds. Only in this case will it emit appropriate energy.
Real moissanite has magical properties that can influence a person’s life. With its help, the most complex problems are solved and answers to any questions are found. The stone prevents you from straying from the right path and develops communication skills.
Moissanite, extracted from fallen meteorites, helps to sharpen the inner sense and reveal extrasensory abilities. He instills wisdom and prudence.
Moissanite - an artificial analogue of a diamond
The moissanite we work with is a crystal that is pure, free of impurities and has the perfect color, with a quality cut superior to that of a diamond, allowing it to shine brighter even in daylight. The hardness of the crystal allows it to remain perfect for many years, and professional polishing will prevent even fingerprints from leaving on the stone. Without your desire, no one will ever dare to doubt that this is not a diamond, because... This is very difficult to do even for specialized specialists. And the main advantage of this crystal is its price and the range of frames for it, which are made by top-class jewelers from the Kostroma Jewelry Factory.
Buy moissanite jewelry only at Muassanit.com
Moissanite is often compared to a diamond, but if we are being completely honest, this precious crystal is more reminiscent of those minerals that fell to Earth from space in tiny quantities. Its history is interesting and confusing, it causes a lot of controversy and discussion, but everyone immediately falls silent as soon as exclusive jewelry with moissanites comes into view.
Why is the comparison made with a diamond? Yes, everything is extremely simple: the characteristics of synthetic moissanite are as close as possible to the parameters of the “king” of precious stones. And what’s most surprising is that some even surpass it. If anyone still doubts, just read to the end and everything will become clear.
Natural moissanite is a very rare mineral of unearthly origin. So rare that only a few grains of it have been found throughout history, and scientists have expressed the version that it came to us from outside, and moissanite deposits simply do not exist on our planet. Otherwise, it would have already been found and mined.
In terms of composition, moissanite is a carbide with the chemical formula SiC. The crystal is colorless in appearance, but has the characteristic shine of a diamond. It is this property of moissanite that is considered the most sought after. It is precisely by this parameter that it is considered an analogue of diamonds, but this theory is not recognized by everyone. Many gemologists insist that moissanite is a separate category of precious stones, absolutely not being a “carbon copy” of any other crystal (even the most luxurious one).
Natural moissanite has a synthetic form, which was created by man in the laboratory. And it is these crystals that are used to make luxurious jewelry. Products with moissanite are a separate category in the catalogs of jewelry companies, and the demand for rings, earrings and pendants with sparkling crystals is growing. And all because of the price. Buying a gold ring with moissanite is much cheaper than a similar ring with a diamond, even if the jewelry insert has lower parameters. And it is almost impossible to visually see the differences between an ideal moissanite and a natural diamond.
The unusual “birth” of moissanite
Moissanite of natural origin was found only as part of meteorites that arrived from other galaxies, so scientists rendered a verdict that there are no deposits of moissanite on our planet that would be sufficient for the jewelry industry. A couple more grains were found in corundum and kimberlite deposits. And this is the entire range of natural moissanites.
Everything that is sold in jewelry store catalogs under the name “moissanite” is created artificially. Scientists have learned how to create moissanites in laboratories, but the process is quite complex. Very few people know about it, since the full version of the creation is kept strictly secret.
The history of moissanite began in 1893 with Henri Moissan's trip to Diablo Canyon. The scientist went to the desert for a sensation, as he had several guesses about the composition of the meteorite that fell there. And they were completely... not justified. But Henri Moissan brought for research grains of a mineral unknown in structure, which was very reminiscent of diamond.
In 1905, when the first moissanite was synthesized, the crystal was named after its discoverer. But that was still a long way off. The controversy surrounding the discovery of Moissan flared up, becoming increasingly heated. Some scientists did not want to recognize the found crystal as the find of the century, arguing that these crumbs were just particles of the tool (or rather, a saw) that the scientist used. Silicon carbide was already used in those days to make jewelry tools.
Scientists have been able to establish that silicon carbide is very common in space. There is a lot of this chemical formula. Unlike our planet, where it is almost impossible to find it in its pure form. It was also found in dust clouds; and around stars whose composition is rich in carbon; and in meteorites (but only in those whose composition is still pristine, without any special “age-related” changes). But the form of silicon carbide in almost 100% of cases is beta polymorphic.
What makes moissanite so popular: the advantages of the crystal
Jewelers of the new generation no longer waited for mercy from nature, but decided to create a precious miracle themselves. And they succeeded perfectly. Moissanites not only have brilliant shine and sparkle, they also have unusual color shades, which the “king” of gemstones lacks. Natural diamonds of fancy shades are found in nature almost individually, so their cost is often equal to the budget of a small state. There is no need to talk about buying them at all. But jewelry connoisseurs want to please themselves with an exclusive purchase, so they are increasingly choosing gold jewelry with moissanites in blue, green, cognac and yellow colors.
There are more and more positive reviews about moissanites, and those who yesterday did not even want to hear about synthetically created crystals are now carefully reading the chemical and physical indicators, trying to find as many advantages as possible in visually ideal crystals.
Advantage No. 1 Moissanite is not afraid of fat. Its chemical structure creates a unique surface that will not lose its shine even after being handled many times. If a similar procedure is carried out with a diamond, its sparkle will become an order of magnitude less bright. And this problem is well known to every owner of gold jewelry with diamonds. But moissanite is absolutely not afraid of fat, so jewelry with moissanite is much more practical to use than similar jewelry with diamonds.
Advantage No. 2 Moissanite has a great future in the jewelry industry. Its prospects are related to the fact that the number of natural diamonds is limited in any case, and more than one generation of our descendants will want to wear exquisite jewelry. And the closest thing in the jewelry hierarchy to a diamond is moissanite.
Advantage No. 3 Diamond, if heated for a long time and strongly, will light up. But moissanite needs a much higher temperature for this, since its resistance to high temperatures is simply enormous.
Advantage No. 4 Each synthesized moissanite has ideal geometric proportions. But cutting diamonds even with tiny defects leads to the fact that the proportions of the crystal are violated. This, of course, is not considered a defect, but such jewelry with diamonds cannot be considered masterpieces either.
Advantage #5 Moissanite is almost 25% more shiny when compared to a diamond. It is not necessary to dive into the physical and chemical parameters of synthetic and natural crystals; just look at their shine in daylight. And the loss of the diamond becomes obvious. Moissanite's additional shine comes from its perfect cut, which is very rare for natural diamonds.
Advantage No. 6 Only a specialist can identify moissanite in a piece of jewelry. For everyone else, it will seem like an exclusive diamond. And you won’t have to explain anything to anyone.
Advantage No. 7 The most important thing. And that's the price. To buy jewelry with moissanite, you don’t have to part with all your savings and go into debt, because this is exactly what happens to those who want to have a real and high-quality diamond in their jewelry box. Identical to very expensive natural crystals, moissanite will cost tens of times less, so you can choose a set - rings with moissanite and earrings, a brooch and pendant, a ring and a brooch. And it will cost less than one model with diamonds.
| Rings with moissanites Gold rings with moissanite are the most popular category of jewelry purchases. And since they are most often chosen for gifts, their range is simply amazing (after all, you need to please different women). The absolute transparency and radiance of moissanites is immediately visible, and all thanks to the impressive size of the crystal. To buy a similar diamond ring, you would have to pay an exorbitant price, but a gold ring with a huge moissanite of ideal quality will be affordable for everyone. The optics of moissanite allow the crystal to “burn”, illuminating with its brilliance and blinding. And no one can even doubt that in front of him is a real diamond. And only owners of special devices are able to determine that the jewelry insert is moissanite. And not immediately, but after a whole series of experiments. An “eternally sparkling” crystal (this is another name for moissanite) fits perfectly into the ring format, so gold rings with moissanite are bought so often that sometimes it seems that there are fewer of them in the catalogue. In fact, the range of gold rings with large moissanites is quite extensive, and they are usually considered expensive diamonds with excellent characteristics. The owner is left to make a mysterious expression on her face, teasing those around her with the “fabulous” price of her exclusive jewelry. Women's gold rings with moissanites Gold rings with three moissanites Rings with moissanites in a circle Rings with colored moissanites Rings and men's rings with moissanites |
| Wedding rings with moissanites The highest demands are placed on the design of wedding rings. And this also applies to the cleanliness and size of jewelry inserts. Moissanite is the ideal solution for an engagement ring. It is not afraid of grease stains, so an engagement ring with moissanite will not have to be polished and cleaned over and over again, like a capricious diamond. Due to its characteristics, moissanite is perfect for daily wear, which is why engagement rings with moissanite are being purchased more and more often in the last season. Customers have already considered all the advantages of a synthetic crystal with incredible brilliance, so engagement rings with moissanite will very soon become sales leaders, overtaking more expensive and more fancy diamonds. The only rule for caring for moissanite engagement rings is to take a warm, soapy bath. Jewelry should be immersed in soapy water and then gently wiped with ammonia. You won’t have to do this often, so even the laziest can handle the cleaning. And the appearance of an engagement ring with moissanite will remain impeccable. What else do you need? After all, looking at the ideal symbol of your family, you want to forget about all the quarrels and misunderstandings, and live in a new way, emitting no less brilliance and radiance than moissanite in a wedding ring. |
| Engagement rings with moissanites Buying them is considered the most difficult thing, because the girl should not guess anything ahead of time. And she should definitely like the design of the engagement ring, the number and size of moissanites, as well as the perfect shine of the jewelry insert. Engagement rings make the sacred ritual seem fabulous and magical, adding a touch of luxury to words of love. And rarely does a woman dare to refuse when she sees a velvet box in the hands of her beloved. The magical brilliance of maouassanite attracts, fascinates, and deprives one of the ability to think rationally. Only ancient instincts are put into action, which almost never fail. Another reason to buy a moissanite engagement ring is its cost. The price tag will not scare you with the number of numbers, and the beauty of the jewelry will correspond to accepted standards of beauty. This price will allow anyone to buy an engagement ring with moissanite for their loved one, and ease of care will allow a woman to wear a ring with moissanite every day, without saving it for some special occasion. And complete indifference to fat is even more attractive, giving the opportunity to wear engagement rings with moissanite every day. And it will remain as sparkling and shiny as the day you bought it. Gold Engagement Rings with Single Moissanite |
| Sets of wedding rings with moissanites Sets of wedding rings with moissanites are chosen by those for whom the style of the special event plays a key role. Carefully selected wedding rings and engagement rings create a unique ensemble, so you can wear such wedding ring sets with moissanites for many years. Perfect harmony in details simplifies the choice of jewelry, because designers and jewelers have already thought through and implemented everything. All that remains is to put the jewelry on your fingers and enjoy the indescribable effect of luxury and brilliance. Engagement and wedding rings can easily be worn not only on one hand, but also on one finger, since their appearance is made in the same style. The details complement each other, and it is very difficult to achieve this by purchasing a wedding and engagement ring with moissanite separately. There is always a risk of not guessing and not achieving a unified visual ensemble. The Wedding Set with moissanites is especially suitable for those men who really assess their financial and aesthetic capabilities, understanding that it will be especially difficult to guess the one they love, but at the same time the money issue is especially acute. By purchasing sets of wedding rings with moissanites, you really save both time and money, and practically eliminate the possibility that the bride will not like the wedding rings. The design of wedding sets with moissanites can be anything you want. They are developed taking into account different approaches to style, so a huge assortment will allow everyone to choose exactly what they need. And then enjoy the play of moissanites on your finger and luxurious design for many years. Today, girls are increasingly admitting that the presence of diamonds on their wedding and engagement rings is not as important to them as they just want to see their unusual flashes of light on their fingers. And moissanites cope with this task perfectly. Their sparkle will be noticeable not only in the light of electric bulbs, but also in the daytime (when diamonds are not even taken out of the boxes). And this is another advantage of moissanites: they are luxurious both under the rays of the sun and under electric streams of light. Therefore, as a daily decoration, wedding sets with moissanites are even superior to jewelry with diamonds. |
| Earrings with moissanites Stud earrings with moissanites will fit perfectly into both an evening and everyday look. And this versatility allows them to remain among the leaders. If a woman is in doubt about what earrings to buy, it is better to offer her to buy studs with moissanites. And the perfect crystals will make her ears sparkle and attract attention, but at the same time the shine will not be provocative, but aristocratically laconic. If a woman wants to amaze those around her, then it is better to buy large gold earrings with moissanites, where, in addition to large, ideally shaped crystals, there will also be a variety of decorative elements. These jewelry pieces will surely amaze, and no one will remain indifferent to the exotic beauty of moissanites. The tradition of giving jewelry to loved ones has already celebrated its thousandth anniversary. The design of jewelry changes, materials and jewelry inserts change, manufacturing techniques change, but the passion for precious gifts does not fade. Every woman feels love for herself when she opens a velvet box, which, as an option, contains gold earrings with moissanites. It may be another piece of jewelry, but the mysterious sparkle of moissanites remains key. There is a certain mystery in the crystal that no one has yet been able to solve. Or I didn't have time. Therefore, this interest manifests itself in buying your loved ones luxurious earrings with moissanites, where the shine of gold enhances the shimmer of the crystals. Gold stud earrings (studs) with moissanites Gold dangling long earrings with moissanites Gold earrings with three moissanites Gold round congo earrings with moissanites Gold earrings with colored moissanites |
| Pendants with moissanites Pendants with moissanites are the category of jewelry where the creator’s imagination is most clearly visible. Everything that cannot be embodied in earrings, rings and brooches is appropriate here. There is no need to be tied to the size of the moissanite, nor to its shape, nor to any other parameters. A moissanite pendant can become a real masterpiece once the jeweler starts creating. Sometimes the craftsman wants to see one, but very large, moissanite in the jewelry, and sometimes the pendant is decorated with whole scatterings of sparkling glitter. And there is simply no way to choose one thing, but the best. Each moissanite pendant is beautiful in its own way, each was born during a time of creative inspiration, and each carries the spiritual energy of the creator. This is what happens when boundaries and boundaries are taken away from jewelers, and they can go beyond generally accepted norms in any direction. Therefore, many craftsmen prefer to work exclusively with gold pendants, without limiting their freedom. Buyers often look through catalogs of moissanite pendants longer than any other. Each model requires attention, because they are all so different. As for moissanites, crystals of different shapes are chosen for pendants, but they all have excellent parameters. Refraction of light, transparency, purity and the absolute absence of any defects are the characteristics that moissanite has much better than any other gemstones. So it turns out that pendants with moissanites are a win-win option for a gift. |
| Bracelets with moissanites The exclusivity of bracelets with moissanites lies in the fact that each product looks so expensive that it is scary to pick it up. Just imagine how much it could cost, given the large number of precious crystals sparkling with fire, and a shiver immediately runs through your hands. This is where that special feeling comes from when this bracelet with moissanites becomes yours, and you put it on your hand and never take it off. Only a few people can buy such jewelry with diamonds, but most men can surprise their beloved with a luxurious bracelet with moissanites. And I would like to immediately note that it will not be the first time that a woman understands what crystals adorn her precious bracelet, because there are practically no visual differences between diamonds and moissanites. The purity of moissanite allows one to achieve an extraordinary effect: gold bracelets with moissanite simply “burn”, causing the same fire in the soul of their owners. And if you add a few dozen more compliments, the woman will remain completely satisfied. And all this is thanks to the complete absence of defects in synthetically grown moissanites. For bracelets, moissanites of fancy shades are most often chosen, so these jewelry are intended for the most daring and extraordinary girls. Bracelets with brightly colored moissanite do not require any other additions, so there is no need to overload your look with other jewelry. Let this piece of jewelry become the key element of your outfit, attracting attention. If you need to impress, but at the same time you need to “keep your mark,” then it is better to buy a bracelet with moissanites of a classic “colorless” color. The effect will be a little softer, but the abundance of sparkling crystals will not leave anyone indifferent. Gold tennis bracelets with moissanites Gold women's bracelets with moissanites Gold rigid bracelets with moissanites Gold men's bracelets with moissanites Gold stylish bracelets with moissanites Gold bracelets with colored moissanites Gold wide bracelets with moissanites Gold tennis bracelets without stones |
Therapeutic effect
The manifestation of medicinal properties, as well as magical ones, depends on the origin of the stone. Natural moissanite is recommended to be carried by women during menopause. It also has a beneficial effect on mental abilities, memory and emotional stability.
Synthetic moissanite, with its radiance and brilliance, helps improve mood, get rid of anger, depression, apathy and melancholy. Visual contact with light-colored crystals has a healing effect and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the vital systems of the body as a whole.
How to wear?
Faceted moissanite
Visually, moissanite differs from a diamond only in its brighter shine. When choosing it as a decoration, you should take into account the color and size of the stone, the event and time of day:
- A pendant with a miniature stone and stud earrings with moissanite will accentuate a business suit.
- Long earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces with colorless and completely transparent crystals are an integral part of the evening wardrobe. Jewelry with moissanite is worn at evening receptions and status events.
- Black stones are inserted into men's accessories and jewelry - cufflinks, rings, tie clips, pendants.
Everyday look will be complemented by products with small stones. Jewelry with large crystals and sets are best left for the evening.
It is not recommended to combine moissanite in jewelry with lower class minerals, especially with semi-precious and decorative stones. The exception is cubic zirconia, which jewelers often use to inlay items.
Various methods and tests are used to identify imitation
Engagement ring with moissanite with a diameter of 7 mm. Photo: Love and Promise Jewelers
Optical test
You can notice the ghosting effect if the moissanite is placed under a microscope and adjusted so that the culet is visible and is located perpendicular to the platform. The focus should be concentrated a little lower.
Specific gravity
The test is based on the fact that the specific gravity of moissanite is slightly less than that of a diamond. The stones being examined are placed in a specially selected liquid, in which the diamonds sink and the moissanites float on the surface. But this method is not suitable for stones inlaid into jewelry, and the liquids themselves are usually toxic to humans.
Fire
The test should only be carried out if you are not afraid to sacrifice the moissanite, as the consequences for it will be irreversible. Light a match and place a stone under the fire. If the colorless crystal takes on a green tint and becomes smoky, then this is moissanite. The soot can be removed, but the shade cannot be changed.
Alan Hodgkinson Method
A gemologist from Scotland uses a visual method to identify moissanite. It involves holding the stone close to the eye and looking through it at the light source. The “pattern” of highlights on a diamond and a moissanite will be different, which is easy to notice even for a non-professional.
Hodgkinson has another method that can be used when you need to look at several stones at once (this will be useful for sellers who often buy 1-carat diamonds in bags of dozens of pieces).
It is necessary to pour the contents of the package into a transparent plastic lid and fill with water. Place a white sheet of paper under it. Now you need a table lamp that will illuminate the stones from above.
It is necessary to move the tray and use tweezers to move stone by stone. The reflections of stones on a sheet of paper will be different if moissanites are among them.
Application
Naturally occurring moissanite crystals are rare and are too small to process. Because of this, they are not used in jewelry. But specimens fused with pieces of meteorites and other earthly rocks are in demand among collectors.
Moissanite ring
Synthetic moissanite is used in a variety of fields:
- in jewelry - the stone is inserted into all types of jewelry, products with moissanite are framed in silver, platinum and gold;
- in the manufacture of abrasives, semiconductors, brake discs, diodes, transistors, relays;
- in optics;
- as an additive to foam concrete;
- in the manufacture of heating elements;
- as a catalyst during the oxidation of hydrocarbons.
Moissanite composite armor is used to cover body armor and nuclear reactors.
Story
Moissanite was first synthesized and then found.
The history of the stone began in 1824. Jöns Jakob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, proved the existence of SiC.
Jons Jacob Berzelius
Berzelius is a theorist. The possibility of the connection's existence was tested by Edward Goodrich Acheson 70 years later.
Edward Goodrich Acheson
He built a power plant at Port Huron and used its energy to heat a high-temperature furnace powered by an electric arc. This was all done to obtain and characterize silicon carbide. The experiment turned out to be successful. The resulting raw material was patented as carborundum.
The author of the experiment had high hopes for SiC and recommended it as an advanced abrasive. Atcherson created a company to produce this material. By the way, it still works.
But the resulting material is not similar to moissanite, although it has the same formula.
We approached the main character of the story - Ferdinand Henri Moissan.
Ferdinand Henri Moissan
Let us remind you that he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for obtaining the element fluorine.
But in 1904 he was not a Nobel laureate, but he was active and ambitious. Armed with a newfangled saw, he went to Diablo Canyon, Arizona, to study minerals at the supposed site of the meteorite. He sawed one sample after another. One sample contained traces of SiC.
Moissan rushed to show the find to the scientific community. The authority of the scientist was indisputable, so they did not check the samples for a long time and announced: “natural SiC has been found for the first time.” The mineral was named after the scientist.
After some time, the find was finally checked. It turned out that the particles found were the abrasive that coated the saw tip. But they did not blame the laureate. The fame of the discoverer of natural carborundum was assigned to him.
Carborundum was found ten years later in a meteorite - Moisson was looking in the right place.
Moissanite has a simple compound of carbon and silicon. Both of these elements are found in abundance on Earth, but there is no crystalline compound of them. Formation requires special conditions: high temperature and pressure. This is rare on Earth and around it. But there is a lot of carborundum in deep space in dust clouds around carbon-containing stars. Such space guests fly on meteorites, which is why carborundum is found in craters and kimberlites.
All that we have described are nondescript stones that are far from suitable for inclusion in jewelry.
The first mentions of gem-quality stones date back to the 40s - 60s of the 20th century. Scientists write enthusiastically about the optical properties of the resulting crystals. The records mention either blue, or green, or colorless stones. Everyone noted the enormous potential of this material in the jewelry industry.
However, for a long time there was no technological opportunity to set up the production of moissanite and release it to the market. Crystal growth was too unstable. All that was achieved was luck, not a conscious result. The color was not beautiful, but the world loves either transparent stones, or bright and colorful ones, and not dirty green ones.
The opportunity to produce moissanite for making jewelry appeared in the 90s of the 20th century. We will talk about entering the markets later.
Price
Silver ring with moissanite
Real moissanite is a rare mineral. Synthetic crystals are expensive to produce. These factors, as well as weight, purity and quality of processing, affect the cost.
The price of synthetic moissanite is approximately 10% of the cost of a diamond of similar quality, that is, it varies in the range of $250-600 per 1 carat.
The most expensive is colorless moissanite with a high degree of transparency. Green and blue crystals are $50-60 cheaper. The cost is even lower (up to $80 cheaper) for yellow, light brown and black specimens. Moissanite chips up to 2 mm in size, on the contrary, have a higher cost than diamond chips.
The cost of a product with a stone is also affected by the material of the frame. For example, a gold ring with moissanite costs between $340-690 per piece. Earrings in silver with stones with a diameter of 6.5 mm - $370.
Moissanite, carborundum, silicon carbide
This one compound is SiC. But not synonyms. The world community has agreed to separate them so as not to get confused.
Carborundum is the commercial name of a material that is used for technical needs. These are small crystals measuring 2-5 mm in length and no more than 1 millimeter thick. The color is yellow or green, but so dark that it seems more black. It is not customary to call carborundum moissanite.
Crystals that are found in nature also look synthetic - dark green to black with a strong shine. But a mineral found in nature has a natural origin. It is named after Moissan.
Silicon carbide is a compound. This name combines the two previous concepts.
Moissanite and Zodiac Signs
The artificial moissanite diamond is not endowed with the energy and magical properties of natural stones, so all zodiac signs can wear it without restrictions.
Moissanite of natural origin also has no contraindications. He has full energy compatibility with representatives of the Fire (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius) and Air (Gemini, Aquarius, Libra) elements. These zodiac signs will have the opportunity not only to improve their financial situation, but also to restore psycho-emotional balance.
Signs of the Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and Earth (Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo) elements can also count on the help of moissanite. For them, the stone will act as a talisman against troubles and the machinations of ill-wishers, as well as a talisman of good luck and financial stability.
Magic properties
The following magical properties of moissanite have been revealed:
- Attracts money (especially yellow or green).
- Strengthens the spirit, gives courage, raises self-esteem.
- Protects from unwanted outside influence.
- Helps to define a goal, control emotions, makes a speaker.
The magic of moissanite will support the owner in any difficult situation and streamline life.
A stone of any origin is suitable for magical purposes. But the synthetic one needs to be activated by exposing it to the sun before dawn.
