Moissanite is among the many polymorphs of naturally occurring silicon carbide. It is a rare mineral of the chemical formula Sic discovered by the French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893. Due to its hardness, optical properties, and thermal conductivity, silicon carbide is beneficial for commercial and industrial applications.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring stone. The comparison between Moissanite and diamonds examines three main aspects: aesthetics, toughness, and cost. The jewelry you like is ultimately the perfect option for an engagement ring.
What is Moissanite?
When customers compare Moissanite to diamonds, they may consider synthetic Moissanite, but Moissanite can occur naturally in very small crystals (very rare). This is a laboratory-made type of crystalline silicon carbide that is often used in place of diamonds. When you see Moissanite and Moissanite rings for sale, you are dealing with synthetic varieties unless you are looking for a rare mineral specimen.
Background of Moissanite
Henri Moissan discovered the mineral Moissanite in 1893 while examining rock samples from the Canyon Diablo meteorite crater in Arizona. He initially thought the crystals were diamonds, but in 1904 he realized he was carbide. Only two years before Moissan was discovered, Edward G. Acheson was synthesizing silicon carbide in the laboratory.
Color of Moissanite
Today, diamonds vs Moissanite is readily available with the same color spectrum as white diamonds. This was not always the case. The color of "classic" Moissanite is usually compared to J to M colored diamonds because it is yellowish or brownish. A vintage yellow or rose gold frame is perfect for this line.
However, Moissanite is also available in shades corresponding to the "colorless" D-F range and the "nearly colorless" G-I range. This gives Moissanite buyers a great opportunity to imitate the look and style of their favorite diamonds.
Clarity
Diamond vs Moissanite is laboratory-made, so there are no significant transparency errors that diamonds can have. Moissanite is always clean, unlike diamonds, which can have optical imperfections.
Finding a diamond of the right size with clean eyes can be difficult for those on a budget. Many diamonds need to be inspected closely. This can take a long time and may require professional assistance.
Is Diamond More Durable than Moissanite
Hardness
The hardest material in Mohs hardness is diamond, which is 10 out of 10. Only one diamond can scratch another diamond. Moissanite with a hardness of 9.25 is the second hardest substance used in gems. Moissanite is unlikely to be scratched unless there is diamond jewelry nearby.
Toughness
It is difficult to determine whether Moissanite or diamond will be the harder gem material. Those who sell Moissanite may argue that they are more durable than diamonds, while those who sell diamonds may argue the opposite.
Unlike diamonds, Moissanite has no cleavage planes. (Diamond crystals can easily split along this inner surface.) For this reason, Moissanite has the advantage of durability. However, this does not indicate the amount of force required to scrape or grind Moissanite.
While It is possible and depends on the type of cut, but in general both diamonds and Moissanite are rarely chipped or broken. (For example, princess cuts can be more prone to chipping than round cuts.) Durability is not a major factor in determining these gems.
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