The A-Z of Moissanites

The first day you came across moissanite, you might have mistaken it for a diamond; this shows how similar both gemstones appear publicly. However, they are dissimilar in several ways. First off, diamonds are known as April’s birthstone and a number one choice of jewel for several people from all walks of life. Nevertheless, moissanite is not one precious stone to push aside as it has gained a strong foothold in the jewel market. Most people believe that it is a “gemstone born from the stars,” based on its mysterious discovery. In all, one thing is certain, moissanite has a brilliance that captures every viewer’s eyes and heart.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that moissanite has the same durability as a diamond, so much that it can stay in a perfect condition beyond a lifetime – thanks to several top qualities it possess. You are about to learn about the world of this precious stone. So, kindly read on.

Why is Moissanite Highly Sought-After in the Jewel Market?

Four elements come to mind when you look at moissanite – colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. For a jeweller to get the best brilliance from this gemstone, such an individual must cut it with precision at specific angles, due to its unique optical properties. What do I mean by this statement?

Unlike diamonds that have single-refraction characteristics, moissanite are double-refractive by nature. As such, they can bend and split light rays into two equal halves, giving out more “fire” in the process. For this reason, when you put a moissanite gemstone and a diamond side-by-side, the former sparkles more than the latter. In actuality, its light dispersion is 2.4 times greater than that of its counterpart.

When cutting moissanite, the cut has to be clean and minimal; this is what gives the stone its brilliance. Otherwise, it ends up taking on a lacklustre appearance. With regards to this aspect, there is a broad range of moissanite cuts to choose from, including:

Square
Pear
Trilliant
Round
Oval
Heart
Emerald
marquise
Radiant
Princess

How About its Durability?

Diamonds are forever, they say. But moissanite last beyond a lifetime as well. Besides, on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite rocks come in at 9.5, which is .5 away from matching up to its cousin. Moreover, its toughest doesn’t pale in comparison to its counterpart. Moissanite jewels are highly resistance to scratches, chips, and cracks. As a result, they don’t undergo wear and tear, unlike other gemstones, like emerald and rubies.

Another area where moissanite stands out from others is its high heat resistance. Even in extreme conditions, the gemstone retains its brilliance. And even when cleaning is needed, it doesn’t require much effort from its owner.

Other Qualities to Consider

Moissanite comes in various colour options, ranging from light green to colourless. Hence, this is one of the factors you should consider when purchasing the gemstone. With the ideal cut, clarity, and colour, you can maximize the jewel’s fire. Additionally, you can match it with a tough, appealing ring band, some of which comes in gold or platinum, depending on the shopper’s preference. To maintain its brilliance, you have to clean it once or twice a month with a soft clothing material and warm soapy water.