What is Moissanite?
The Moissanite Jewel is next to Diamond in its characteristics.
It has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to Diamond which has 10.
It has more brightness than a Diamond. Diamond is found in Mines whereas
Moissanite Jewels are Lab created Silicon Carbide Material which is
transparent and nearly colorless is color. The cost of Moissanite Jewel is
a fraction of the cost of a Diamond. It is difficult to distinguish Diamond between Moissanite. However there are different test methods to
identify the same.
Characteristic and Frequently asked Questions
Refractive Index:
The Refractive Index (RI) of a gemstone is the most important
physical property affecting potential brilliance. At 2.65, Moissanite displays more brilliance than diamond (RI
2.42), Ruby (RI 1.77), Sapphire(RI 1.77) and Emerald (RI 1.58)
Luster
Moissanite has a higher luster than diamond, ruby, sapphire,
emerald, and other fine gemstones.
Durability & Hardness
Moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale,
making it the second hardest jewel known to man. This makes it harder than a
steel file, and gives it the ability to easily cut glass. Diamond has a Mohs
hardness of 10. Ruby 9, Sapphire 9, and emerald 7.5 are all surpassed by
moissanite's hardness.
Toughness
Moissanite is resistant to the chipping or shattering that may
occur during normal wear.
Moissanite is one of the toughest jewels known to man.
Moissanite is stable and inert.
The Color of Moissanite
Moissanite contains slight color tints of green, gray,teal, and
yellow.
A variety of factors affect the color apperance of moissanite
such as dispersion, color tint, and type of jewelry setting. The high dispersion
(fire) of moissanite produces a rich color spectrum, similar to those of the
rainbow. As previously mentioned,in most cases, moissanite contains varying
color tints of green, gray, teal and yellow, which enhance the jewel's color
spectrum. The apperance and degree of these tints are less noticeable when
moissanite is set in jewelry. The type of gold (yellow or white) and the use of
platinum will affect the apperance of moissanite when it is set.
Moissanite is also available in Light, Medium, and dark green in
limited quantities.
