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.

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)