What is Moissanite? The Complete Guide to the World's Most Brilliant Gemstone
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Discovered in a Meteorite. Now on Your Finger.
Moissanite has one of the most extraordinary origin stories in the gemstone world. In 1893, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan discovered tiny crystals of silicon carbide inside a meteorite crater in Arizona. He initially thought he'd found diamonds. What he'd actually found was something even more remarkable.
Today, moissanite is lab-created using advanced technology — and it has become one of the most sought-after gemstones in fine jewelry for very good reason.
What Exactly Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide (SiC). It is:
- Lab-created (natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare)
- Nearly as hard as diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale vs diamond's 10)
- More brilliant than diamond — with a higher refractive index
- Significantly more affordable than diamond
- 100% conflict-free and ethically produced
Moissanite vs Diamond: How Do They Compare?
| Property | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.65-2.69 | 2.42 |
| Brilliance | Higher than diamond | Exceptional |
| Fire (color dispersion) | 2.5x more than diamond | High |
| Price per carat | $300-$600 | $3,000-$15,000+ |
| Conflict-free | 100% | Not always |
| Durability | Excellent (lifetime wear) | Excellent |
Does Moissanite Look Like a Diamond?
To the naked eye, moissanite and diamond are virtually indistinguishable. In fact, moissanite's higher refractive index means it actually produces more sparkle and fire than a diamond of the same size. Under certain lighting conditions, moissanite displays a rainbow-like brilliance that many people find even more beautiful.
The only way to tell them apart is with specialized gemological equipment — not the human eye.
Will Moissanite Last Forever?
Yes. With a hardness of 9.25, moissanite is the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry (after diamond). It is resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking under normal wear conditions. A moissanite ring purchased today will look identical in 50 years.
Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?
No — moissanite is its own gemstone with its own unique properties. It is not a diamond simulant or imitation. It is a distinct, precious gemstone that happens to share many visual characteristics with diamonds while exceeding them in brilliance.
Think of it this way: sapphires are not "fake rubies" just because they're both precious gemstones. Moissanite is not a fake diamond — it's a remarkable gemstone in its own right.
Why Choose Moissanite?
Moissanite is the ideal choice for buyers who want:
- Maximum brilliance — more sparkle per dollar than any other gemstone
- Ethical sourcing — 100% lab-created, conflict-free
- Exceptional value — a 2-carat moissanite costs a fraction of a 2-carat diamond
- Lifetime durability — hard enough for everyday wear forever
- Unique beauty — its distinctive fire sets it apart from every other gemstone
Explore SM Luxury's Moissanite Collection
Our moissanite jewelry is crafted in 18K gold and sterling silver settings, featuring premium DEF color moissanite — the highest grade available, with a colorless appearance identical to the finest diamonds.