Moissanite
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
9.0 – 9.5
Specific Gravity
3.17 – 3.24
Refractive Index
2.648 – 2.691
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Luster
Adamantine
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.043
Dispersion
0.104
Pleochroism
Nil
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 9.0 – 9.5
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Fine ($500-5,000/ct)
Where to Buy Moissanite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
A near-colourless moissanite has been heat-treated, causing a brownish colour across all the facets. Cleaning and hand-polishing the samples, using cerium oxide on leather, restored the reflectivity to 98% of the non-treated material. If heating forms part of any testing experiment on a suspected moissanite, the gemmologist should remember that surface oxidation could occur and keep the level of heating to a minimum. The colour of the surface might undergo alteration. - Michael O�Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), p. 89
The method of synthesis is probably a modified form of the flux-melt process. - Gemstones, Arthur Thomas, 2009, p 207
9 to 9.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
3.17 to 3.24Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
NoneArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) More from other references
ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
May turn yellowish if heated (250 watt bulb)Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
2.648 to 2.691Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Uniaxial/+Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
0.043Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) DoublingMore from other references
NilArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) More from other references
0.104Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Colourless, greenish, yellowishUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
AdamantineArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) More from other references
Usually dark orange or light blueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
HexagonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
TabularArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) More from other references
A rare mineral: formed in an iron meteorite; as inclusions in diamond; in diamondiferous kimberlites and lamproites, and in eclogite; in volcanic breccias and rhyolite; in alluvium.Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Inclusions: white needles - Gemmological Tables, Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, 2004, p 32
Moissanite information at mindat.org
About Moissanite
Moissanite (silicon carbide, SiC) is an extremely rare naturally occurring mineral first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona, exhibiting adamantine luster, exceptional hardness (Mohs 9.25), and fire (dispersion) surpassing that of diamond. Natural moissanite is almost exclusively extraterrestrial in origin; the lab-created synthetic version, introduced commercially in 1998 by Charles & Colvard, has become the most popular diamond alternative due to its brilliance, fire, durability, and significantly lower cost. Its double refraction and exceptional dispersion (2.5 times that of diamond) create a distinctive, highly brilliant and fiery appearance.
Jewelry Use
Durability
10/10
Suitable for daily wear
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite (silicon carbide, SiC) is an extremely rare naturally occurring mineral first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona, exhibiting adamantine luster, exceptional hardness (Mohs 9.25), and fire (dispersion) surpassing that of diamond. Natural moissanite
What is the hardness of Moissanite?
Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.0 to 9.5, making it excellent for use in jewelry.
What color is Moissanite?
Moissanite is primarily Various.
How much does Moissanite cost?
Moissanite falls into the Fine ($500-5,000/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Moissanite?
Moissanite belongs to the Hexagonal crystal system.