Moissanite #1 Diamond Simulant

Moissanite the #1 Diamond Simulant

Moissanite is a rare mineral composed of silicon
carbide that was discovered by Dr. Henri Moissan in
1893. Scientists began manufacturing moissanite
gemstones in labs since then, and in 1998 Charles &
Colvard began selling the gemstone. Since moissanite
is difficult to grow, the gemstone is much more
expensive than diamond substitutes like cubic
zirconia.

Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale
compared to 10 for diamond, the earth's hardest
substance. If they are properly cut by master cutters,
a glistening moissanite gemstone often looks like a
diamond at first glance. It has measurably more fire,
brilliance and luster at a fraction of the cost of
diamond. They are available in round, oval, marquise,
pear shape, radiant cut octagon, heart shape,
triangle, princess cut squares, and antique squares.
It comes in a variety of choices of near colorless to
very slightly tinted.

Even though moissanite gemstone looks like
diamond, it does have several characteristics that a
qualified jeweler can identify. Under a 10x power
loupe, the magnified mosisanite stones often feature
subtle greenish tints whereas quality diamonds are
often colorless. Moissanite's facets seem to multiply
called double refraction, but diamonds only reflect
their facets once. Some jewelers have added special
Moissanite Testers to their equipment inventories for
extra testing. Another form of testing is by floatation
test in a dense liquid. If performed properly,
moissanite will float whereas diamond will sink.

Moissanite and diamonds both have their
advantages, the only sure way to know you are
purchasing diamond and not moissanite is to buy
from a reputable dealer who sell certified diamonds
and sell certified Moissanite direct from the
manufacturer.

Check out more about Moissanite Diamonds Here!

For more info on Moissanite and Diamonds, visit Whatarediamonds.com