What is Moissanite?

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystal fragments in a meteorite crater in Arizona. At first, he thought he’d found diamonds, but later realized it was something completely different. To honor his discovery, this rare mineral was named moissanite. Natural moissanite is so rare that you’ll almost never find it in jewelry. The stones you see in rings and necklaces today are lab-created.

Unlike diamonds, which are made entirely of carbon, moissanite has a unique chemical structure that allows it to bend and reflect light differently. It’s an eye-catching stone that’s perfect for engagement rings or jewelry.

What is Moissanite Made of?

Moissanite is made of silicon carbide (SiC). This gives the gem its unique optical and physical properties:

• Refractive Index (Sparkle Factor): Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, higher than a diamond’s 2.42. This means that moissanite bends light more dramatically, creating more sparkle.
• Fire (Rainbow Effect): Moissanite disperses light into rainbow colors more strongly than diamonds, giving it a fiery look in sunlight or bright lighting.
• Durability: It’s one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry, which means it can last for generations.

This chemical structure is the reason moissanite is often praised as a diamond alternative, similar in appearance, but with its own personality.

How is Moissanite Made?

Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so almost all moissanite you see today is lab-created. Scientists mimic natural conditions to grow moissanite crystals in a controlled environment.

Here’s how moissanite is made in labs:

• Seed Crystals: Tiny silicon carbide “seeds” are used to start the crystal growth.
• Growth Process: In a laboratory, under extreme heat and pressure, larger crystals slowly form around the seeds. This process can take weeks.
• Cutting & Polishing: Once the crystals are ready, expert gem cutters shape them into familiar cuts like round, oval, cushion or pear, just like diamonds.
• Quality Control: Each stone is checked for clarity, color consistency and brilliance before it ever makes it into a piece of jewelry.

The result is a sustainable, ethical gemstone that looks stunning while avoiding the environmental and ethical challenges of diamond mining.

Is Moissanite Expensive?

Moissanite is generally more affordable than diamonds, whether lab-grown or mined. You can get a larger, more dazzling stone for a fraction of the price of a diamond. Even at larger sizes (like 2–3 carats), moissanite remains far more budget-friendly, making it possible to buy a big, bold stone without the hefty price tag. That said, the price can vary depending on the size, cut and quality of the stone. But overall, moissanite offers great value for a gemstone that’s gorgeous and durable. This price difference is one of the main reasons moissanite has become so popular for engagement rings. Couples can choose a ring that looks and feels luxurious, without draining their savings.

How to Clean Moissanite?

One of the best things about moissanite is how easy it is to care for. It’s resistant to scratches, but like any gemstone, it can collect dirt, oils and everyday buildup. Luckily, cleaning it is simple:

• At Home: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak your ring for 15–20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: Moissanite is tough enough to handle ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, which can give it an extra-deep clean.
• What to Avoid: Steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive powders. They won’t damage the stone but can affect the metal setting around it.

Moissanite is tough, but regular cleaning will make sure it stays dazzling for years.

Why People Love Moissanite?

So, why is moissanite having a moment? Here’s why:

• Affordability: Bigger stones at a fraction of the diamond price.
• Sparkle Factor: Moissanite has more fire than diamonds, meaning it flashes rainbow light in ways diamonds don’t.
• Durability: With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is second only to diamonds in scratch resistance.
• Ethical & Sustainable: Because it’s lab-grown, moissanite is a conflict-free and eco-friendly choice.
• Unique Personality: It looks similar to diamonds but has its own “extra sparkle” that fans fall in love with.

Final Thoughts

Moissanite isn’t just a “diamond alternative”. It’s a gemstone in its own right. With its cosmic origins, brilliant fire, wallet-friendly price and durability, it has all the qualities people look for in fine jewelry today.

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, upgrading your jewelry collection or simply curious about your options, moissanite deserves a serious look. It’s proof that you don’t have to compromise between beauty, ethics and budget when you really can have it all.