Quick Facts
Formation & Origin
Natural moissanite is one of the rarest minerals on Earth. It was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in fragments of the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona. For over a century, all known natural moissanite was either meteoritic or found as microscopic inclusions in kimberlite pipes and other mantle-derived rocks. Natural gem-quality moissanite essentially doesn't exist.
All moissanite sold as a gemstone is laboratory-grown silicon carbide. Charles & Colvard developed the first commercial gem-quality moissanite in the late 1990s using a thermal growing process. The resulting crystals are optically superior to diamond in some respects: moissanite has higher refractive index (2.65 vs diamond's 2.42) and significantly more fire/dispersion (0.104 vs 0.044). It literally sparkles more than diamond.
Moissanite has disrupted the engagement ring market by offering diamond-like appearance, superior optical properties, and ethical sourcing at roughly 10% of diamond's price. It's the hardest substance commercially available after diamond (9.25 Mohs), making it genuinely practical for daily wear.
Identification Guide
Moissanite is identified by its extreme brilliance and fire (noticeably more than diamond), hardness of 9.25 (second only to diamond), and double refraction (visible doubling of back facet edges when viewed through the table with a loupe). Diamond is singly refractive.
Distinguish from diamond (singly refractive, less fire, higher thermal conductivity), cubic zirconia (lower hardness at 8.5, no double refraction, higher density), and white sapphire (much less fire and brilliance). Most jewelers use electronic diamond testers - older thermal testers read moissanite as diamond; newer multi-testers can distinguish them.
Spotting Fakes
The 'fake' question is inverted for moissanite. Nobody fakes moissanite - instead, moissanite is sometimes sold as diamond. The double refraction test distinguishes them: look through the crown of the stone at the back facets with a 10x loupe. If the facet edges appear doubled, it's moissanite. Diamond shows single, sharp facet edges. Modern multi-testers (which measure both thermal AND electrical conductivity) can also distinguish them instantly.
Cultural & Metaphysical Traditions
Presented as cultural traditions, not scientific evidence
Moissanite has no traditional metaphysical associations - it was unknown until 1893 and unavailable as a gemstone until the 1990s. Some modern practitioners associate its meteoritic origin with cosmic energy and transformation. Others connect its lab-grown nature to human creativity and technological achievement. Its growing popularity as an engagement ring stone has given it associations with modern love and ethical choice.
Where It's Found
Original discovery (1893), meteorite fragments
Microscopic natural crystals in diamond deposits
All gem-quality moissanite is lab-grown (Charles & Colvard pioneered)
Price Guide
Good to Know
Scratch test: At hardness 9.25, Moissanite can scratch glass and steel. It's durable enough for any type of jewelry.
Sources: Found in 3 notable locations worldwide, from United States to Laboratory.
Heft test: Moissanite has average mineral density (3.22). It feels about as heavy as you'd expect from a stone its size.
Related Minerals
The gem moissanite most closely resembles
Another diamond simulant, lower hardness
Natural diamond alternative, less sparkle
The industrial material moissanite is made from