Moissanite diamonds are a type of gemstone that is often used as an alternative to diamonds. They are made of silicon carbide, which is the same material that makes up a diamond’s crystal structure. However, moissanite diamonds are created in a lab, rather than mined from the earth. This makes them more affordable than diamonds, while still offering a similar look and feel.
History of Moissanite Diamonds
Moissanite diamonds were first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a French chemist. Moissan was studying the composition of a meteorite that had fallen in France when he found a small, colorless crystal that he could not identify. He eventually determined that the crystal was silicon carbide, a material that had never been found on Earth before.
Moissanite diamonds were not commercially available until the 1990s. Since then, they have become increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds. This is due to their affordability and their similar appearance to diamonds.
Properties of Moissanite Diamonds
Moissanite diamonds have a number of properties that make them similar to diamonds. They are both colorless, hard, and durable. Moissanite diamonds are also more refractive than diamonds, which means that they sparkle more.
Here is a table comparing the properties of moissanite diamonds and diamonds:
Property Moissanite Diamond Diamond
Chemical composition Silicon carbide Carbon
Hardness 9.25 on the Mohs scale 10 on the Mohs scale
Refractive index 2.65 2.42
Specific gravity 3.215 3.515
Benefits of Moissanite Diamonds
There are a number of benefits to choosing moissanite diamonds over diamonds. Moissanite diamonds are more affordable than diamonds, while still offering a similar look and feel. They are also more durable than diamonds and are less likely to chip or scratch.
Here are some of the benefits of moissanite diamonds:
Affordability: Moissanite diamonds are much more affordable than diamonds. For example, a 1-carat moissanite diamond can cost around $1,000, while a 1-carat diamond can cost around $10,000.
Similar appearance: Moissanite diamonds are very similar in appearance to diamonds. They are both colorless, hard, and durable. Moissanite diamonds also sparkle more than diamonds.
Durability: Moissanite diamonds are more durable than diamonds. They are less likely to chip or scratch.
Buying Moissanite Diamonds
If you are considering buying a moissanite diamond, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to choose a reputable retailer. There are a number of online retailers that sell moissanite diamonds, but not all of them are reputable. It is important to do your research and read reviews before you buy a moissanite diamond from an online retailer.
Once you have chosen a retailer, you need to decide what size and color moissanite diamond you want. Moissanite diamonds are available in a variety of sizes and colors. The size of the moissanite diamond will affect the price. The color of the moissanite diamond will also affect the price.
Conclusion
Moissanite diamonds are a unique and affordable alternative to diamonds. They offer a similar look and feel to diamonds, while being much more affordable. If you are looking for a beautiful and durable gemstone that will not break the bank, a moissanite diamond is a great option.
