Moissanite is a beautiful, unique gemstone that has caught the attention of many jewelry lovers in recent years. Although not as popular as other gemstones like diamonds and emeralds, it’s earned a decent amount of popularity, thanks to its fascinating physical properties.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about moissanite. And who knows? It might just be your next favorite gemstone.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a type of naturally-occurring mineral known as silicon carbide. It was discovered in Arizona in 1893 by Dr. Henri Mossan.
This mineral was first mistaken for diamond, but its distinctive properties were later realized, and it was named Moissanite (after its discoverer, Mossan).
Although it was first found in nature, Moissanite rarely occurs naturally, and when it does, it is usually in small quantities, not enough for making jewelry.
Moissanite has a high refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, which makes it shine brilliantly. It’s mainly clear-colored but may also appear green, blue, or yellow.
How is moissanite formed?
Because it’s rare in nature, moissanite is mainly produced in laboratories by processing silicon carbide crystals under very high temperatures.
The moissanite gemstone has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. (The Mohs scale ranges from 1 to 10, and a high rating means that a gemstone is hard and can withstand everyday wear and tear.)
What does moissanite symbolize?
Moissanite is said to symbolize good luck, progress, and prosperity.
How do you pronounce moissanite?
Moissanite is pronounced: “Moy-suh-nite” (/mˈɔɪsənˌaɪt/ ).
How much is a moissanite stone worth?
On average, a moissanite stone costs $600 per carat (or $600 per 6.55mm stone). However, this price could vary depending on the stone’s size and “premium rating.”
- Size: Moissanite is usually measured in millimeters. A 6.55mm moissanite is the same size as one diamond carat. The bigger a moissanite stone is, the more it costs.
- Premium rating: The premium rating is based on the color of the moissanite gemstone. Nearly colorless moissanite stones are rated “premium,” while completely colorless stones are rated “super premium.” Colorless moissanite (super premium) is the most expensive kind of moissanite.
Where can I sell my moissanite stone?
You can sell your moissanite stone using any of these options:
- Pawnshops: Pawnshops are an easy option since you’ll find a ready buyer and get paid instantly. But on the downside, you may sell your stone for less than it’s worth since most pawnshops aim to resell at a profit.
- Online stores: You can place your moissanite stone for sale on online stores like eBay and Amazon. The online store route is usually less stressful, but you may have to include a discount to sell your stone since online buyers usually want the best offer. You’ll also have to pay a certain percentage to the online store you’re selling on.
- Local classified ad sites: This option helps you sell online to people in your area. You can get a classified ad site in your locality by searching “(your city) free online classifieds” on Google. You can also use the classified ads service on Facebook. With this option, you can sell your moissanite stone online without paying an online store and interact directly with your buyer.
- In-person sale: Another option is to take your jewelry to different stores in-person. In-person sale requires a lot of patience. To get the best deal, you’ll need to visit and talk to various potential buyers before choosing someone to sell to. Of course, you should sell to whoever offers to pay the most.
How to Use and Style Moissanite
Moissanite stones look great in all jewelry, from engagement rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces. But to get the best out of this stone, there are things to consider.
Which metals go with moissanite?
Moissanite goes with many metals, but it goes best with metals like white gold and platinum. Their clear, bright color brings out the brilliance in moissanite, making it look stunning on anyone.
Which cuts and settings are best for moissanite?
Moissanite looks excellent in round, oval, square, and cushion cuts. However, the round brilliant-cut moissanite is the most popular choice because it flows with almost any jewelry style.
Many people lean towards the halo setting because it accentuates the gemstone and brings out its beauty.
How does moissanite compare with diamonds?
Moissanite looks very much like diamonds; you can hardly tell the difference by looking. However, they are two different gemstones with distinctive properties. Here’s what differentiates moissanite from diamonds:
- Composition. Moissanite is made from silicon carbide crystals, while diamond is pure carbon.
- Origin. Diamonds are naturally existing minerals, while moissanite is lab-created since it rarely occurs in nature.
- Brilliance: Moissanite is a brighter gemstone than diamond.
- Colors: Diamonds occur naturally in colors like white, yellow, red, or pink. Moissanite is mostly created to be clear-colored, although it may sometimes have a green or yellow tint.
You can identify diamonds from moissanite by looking at both gemstones through a loupe. A loupe is a small magnifying glass that jewelers use to see tiny details in a gemstone.
Through a loupe, moissanite will have blurred lines on the crown while a diamond will not. If you’re still stuck between diamond and moissanite, this moissanite vs. diamond post can help you decide which is best.
Keep in mind that moissanite is also different from lab diamonds.
Lab diamonds have the same chemical composition and physical properties (brilliance and hardness) as diamonds. Moissanite has an entirely different chemical composition from diamond and different physical properties.
Moissanite and Diamond’s Durability and Price
Moissanite and diamonds are both durable gemstones that can withstand wear and tear. But diamonds are harder, with a hardness of 10.
Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25. When it comes to price, moissanite is a cheaper option. While a carat of moissanite may cost about $600, one carat of diamond costs at least $1800.
How does moissanite compare with cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a diamond simulant, meaning it is a cheaper diamond alternative in the jewelry market. This makes it similar to moissanite, but they have distinctive properties:
- Composition: Cubic zirconia is made of zirconium oxide crystals, while moissanite is made up of silicon carbide crystals.
- Brilliance: Cubic zirconia has a refractive index of 2.15 to 2.18, while moissanite has 2.69. This means that moissanite gives off a nicer sparkle and brilliance.
You can also use a loupe to differentiate cubic zirconia from moissanite.
💡 Take Note: If a gemstone looks clear without inclusions under a loupe, it is cubic zirconia. Inclusions are materials that get trapped within a gemstone during its formation. Moissanite often contains inclusions. Moissanite is closer to diamonds than cubic zirconia.
Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite’s Durability and Price
Cubic zirconia has a hardness of 8. Although this is relatively okay, cubic zirconia is not as durable as moissanite, which has a hardness of 9.25. Moissanite will withstand more wear and tear compared to cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is way cheaper than moissanite. It costs only $20 per carat, while moissanite costs $600 per carat.
How to Care for Moissanite Jewelry
Moissanite is a durable stone, so you can trust it to last long. But even tough gemstones need to be treated with care. We’ve gathered some tips to help you care for your moissanite jewelry:
- Avoid using your moissanite jewelry when doing sports, working out, or any rough work. Although it’s one of the most durable gemstones, a hard hit on moissanite may damage it.
- Don’t store many moissanite pieces together. Because of their hardness, they may scratch each other and leave ugly marks on their surfaces.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like detergents and chlorine to clean your moissanite jewelry-they’ll ruin the sparkly look.
- Clean your moissanite jewelry once a month if you wear it daily. But if you only wear it occasionally, clean it when you notice it looking less sparkly. Put your moissanite jewelry in warm soapy water for a few minutes and clean it using a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush (remember to use mild soap).
- You may use a commercial jewelry cleaner specifically designed for cleaning gemstones to clean your moissanite jewelry. Ensure that you stick to the instructions on the label when using a commercial cleaner on your jewelry.
💡 Expert Tip: Cleaning your gemstone is a must if you want to keep it in good shape. Our post on how to clean gemstones can help make your moissanite jewelry last longer.
Where to Buy Moissanite Jewelry
There are several places you can buy moissanite jewelry. For years, Charles & Covard were the sole producers of moissanite jewelry, and they are still a great option to buy your moissanite jewelry today. You’ll find an interesting variety of moissanite jewelry from them.
Many jewelry lovers have had great experiences buying moissanite online from Stargem, Tianyu, and MoissaniteCo, so these are other nice options to try.
If you’re looking to shop online on a low budget, Etsy is a great place to check out.
Helzberg and BrilliantEarth are also trusted options with amazing customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some questions commonly asked by moissanite lovers:
Are moissanite diamonds fake?
Moissanite is not a fake diamond. It is an entirely different gemstone on its own. However, due to its similar appearance and durability to diamonds, it is often used as a cheaper alternative to diamonds.
Is moissanite the same as a lab-created diamond?
Lab diamonds are different from moissanite. Lab diamonds are synthetic diamonds created to have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. Moissanite is a different gemstone.
Does moissanite get cloudy?
Unlike some gemstones, moissanite does not become cloudy. It is a durable and buildup-resistant gemstone. If you notice any dullness on its surface, a simple cleaning will fix it and return its sparkle.
Is moissanite your gemstone?
Considering the very high cost of diamonds, many jewelry shoppers now opt for more affordable options like moissanite. This beautiful, unique gemstone offers you the brightness and brilliance of diamonds, durability higher than cubic zirconia, and the easy availability of popular gemstones – all at a price that won’t break your bank.
It’s up to you to decide. Is moissanite your gemstone? One thing’s for sure: you can’t go wrong with a moissanite piece of jewelry!
💎 You should know: We use affiliate links throughout our site. This means we may earn a cent or two when you make a purchase on our site. Thanks for adding to our shine.
