MOISSANITE

Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Species:  Synthetic Moissanite
​​Mohs Hardness:  9.25 out of 10
Color:  Colorless to light yellow, light green or light gray.
RI:  OTL
Birefringence:  0.043 (Extreme doubling)
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Optic Character:  Uniaxial positive
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert or orange
SG:  3.22

Moissanite Facts

Moissanite can have needle-like inclusions, and can be confused with a natural diamond

Moissanite was originally discovered by Nobel Prize Winner, Dr. Henri Moissan, inside the crater a meteorite crash in Arizona, in 1893.

Although moissanite does occur in nature, it is extremely rare.  Nearly all moissanite is lab created.  Natural moissanite is actually rarer than diamond!

Moissanite is a common alternative to diamond due to its similar appearance.

It is not quite as hard as a diamond, but moissanite is slightly harder than ruby and sapphire.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond and is therefore more brilliant than diamond.

Moissanites tend to weigh 15% to 18% lighter than diamonds.

Most moissanite is free of inclusions, but some moissanite can have needle-like, or nail-like, inclusions.

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)