12 Moissanite Issues You Should Consider Before Purchasing

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12 Moissanite Issues You Should Consider Before Purchasing

Aug 15, 2024, Update: Aug 15, 2024, Janar Kirn / IceTreasure.com

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https://icetreasure.com/blogs/resources/12-moissanite-issues-you-should-consider-before-purchasing

"Moissanite, a lab-created gemstone, is an attractive and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diamonds, offering stunning brilliance and durability at a fraction of the cost. While moissanite is an excellent choice for many, it's important to understand its unique characteristics and potential drawbacks before making a purchase. This article will guide you through the essential considerations and common concerns associated with moissanite, helping you make a well-informed decision."

1. What is Moissanite?

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan, who found the gemstone in meteorites and upper mantle rock in Arizona. Due to its rarity, natural moissanite is even more scarce and expensive than diamonds. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made synthetic moissanite, or lab-grown moissanite, widely available, offering a more affordable and accessible option.

How is Moissanite Made?

Synthetic moissanite is created under controlled laboratory conditions, a process that began in the late 1990s with Charles & Colvard being the first company to patent and commercialize lab-grown silicon carbide gemstones. The production process involves subjecting silicon carbide to high heat and pressure over 2-3 months, resulting in a gemstone with nearly identical properties to its natural counterpart. This lab-grown version retains the beauty and brilliance of natural moissanite while making it affordable for a broader audience.

2. 12 Common Moissanite Concerns You Should Know About

Understanding the following considerations can help you determine whether moissanite is the right choice for your jewelry:

1. Not a Natural Gemstone

The majority of moissanite on the market is synthetic, created in laboratories. For those who prefer natural gemstones, this may be a downside. While lab-grown moissanite is a beautiful and sustainable option, it lacks the natural origin that some people find important. If you value the natural formation of gemstones, alternatives like white sapphire, topaz, or rock crystal quartz may appeal to you. However, these natural stones do not offer the same sparkle or durability as moissanite or diamonds.

2. Not as Hard as a Diamond

Moissanite is durable but not as hard as a diamond. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, diamonds score a perfect 10, making them one of the hardest substances on earth. Moissanite, on the other hand, rates a 9.25. While still quite hard, moissanite is more susceptible to scratching, chipping, or breaking if not handled with care, which is important for daily-wear jewelry like engagement rings.

3. Moissanite Can Exhibit Color

One characteristic of moissanite is its tendency to display subtle color hues, such as yellow, blue, brown, or green, under certain lighting conditions. While moissanite is available in near-colorless grades, it may still exhibit a slight tint that some may find distracting. Over time, as you become more familiar with your moissanite jewelry, you may notice these color nuances more, especially when comparing it to the icy coolness of a colorless diamond.

4. Different Appearance from Diamonds

Moissanite is a distinct gemstone with its own chemical, optical, and physical properties. While it may resemble a diamond at first glance, it is not identical. Unlike lab-grown diamonds, which are chemically similar to natural diamonds, moissanite has unique characteristics that set it apart. If you're expecting your moissanite to look exactly like a diamond, it's important to recognize these differences.

5. Different Sparkle Compared to Diamonds

Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance, often outshining diamonds with its intense sparkle. The refractive index of moissanite (2.65 to 2.69) is higher than that of diamonds (2.417), which gives it a more fiery appearance. However, this brilliance can sometimes result in a "disco ball" effect, where the stone reflects multiple colors, making it appear different from a diamond's more subtle sparkle.

6. Visible Inclusions

Like all gemstones, moissanite can have inclusions, which are internal or external flaws formed during its creation. These inclusions, such as mineral crystals, needles, or clouds, can affect the stone's clarity and value. While many inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, they can be seen under magnification and may impact the overall appearance of the gemstone.

7. Thermal Conductivity Differences

Moissanite and diamonds differ in thermal conductivity, which can be a factor in how the gemstones behave under certain conditions. Diamonds are known for their excellent thermal conductivity, allowing them to dissipate heat quickly. Moissanite also has high thermal conductivity but not to the same extent as diamonds. This difference can sometimes be a clue in identifying the gemstone, though advanced testers are needed for accurate differentiation.

8. Potential Impact of Fluorescence

Fluorescence refers to the glow some gemstones emit under ultraviolet (UV) light. While this is well-known in diamonds, it can also occur in moissanite. Moissanite typically exhibits blue fluorescence, similar to some diamonds. However, this can sometimes create an overly blue or hazy appearance in certain lighting conditions, which might detract from the stone's overall look. Understanding fluorescence's impact is important when choosing moissanite, especially if you frequently encounter UV light.

9. More Challenging to Resell

Moissanite may be more challenging to resell compared to diamonds, primarily due to its synthetic nature and the market's preference for natural stones. While moissanite is gaining popularity, it does not yet hold the same market value or demand as diamonds. Educating potential buyers about moissanite's unique qualities, such as its eco-friendly and socially responsible production, can help increase interest and resale value.

10. Lower Value

Compared to Diamonds Moissanite is generally less expensive than diamonds, both at the time of purchase and in terms of resale value. While a one-carat moissanite may cost between $400 and $700, a comparable natural diamond can range from $1,500 to $16,000, depending on its quality. If you're considering moissanite as an investment, it's important to understand that it may not hold its value as well as a diamond over time.

11. Prestige and Perception

Diamonds have long been associated with luxury, romance, and prestige, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity and quality. While moissanite can also come with certification, it does not carry the same cultural significance or status as diamonds. For some, the symbolism of a diamond engagement ring is irreplaceable, making moissanite a less desirable option if prestige is a priority.

12. Moissanite's Place in the Market

While moissanite has been around since the 1990s, it has not achieved the same level of recognition or status as diamonds. Often marketed as a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative, moissanite is still seen by some as a temporary trend rather than a timeless choice. However, as more consumers become aware of its benefits, moissanite may continue to grow in popularity as a viable option for fine jewelry.

3. Frequently Asked Questions About Moissanite

Is moissanite as durable as diamonds?

No, while moissanite is durable, it is not as hard as diamonds, rating 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to diamond's 10.

Does moissanite display color tints?

Yes, moissanite can exhibit slight color tints, including yellow, blue, brown, or green, under different lighting conditions.

Does moissanite have inclusions?

Yes, moissanite can contain inclusions, though they may be less noticeable than those in diamonds.

Is moissanite a good alternative to diamonds?

Moissanite is a viable alternative for those seeking a sparkling and budget-friendly gemstone, but it differs from both natural and lab-grown diamonds in various ways.

What is moissanite made of?

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), created through a process that mimics natural moissanite's structure, using heat and pressure.

4. Final Thoughts

Moissanite is a remarkable gemstone with many positive attributes, but it's important to understand that it is not as hard or prestigious as a diamond. For those who value natural gemstones, moissanite's synthetic origin may be a drawback. However, for others, its affordability, brilliance, and eco-friendliness make it a compelling choice. Whether moissanite is a fleeting trend or a lasting option in the jewelry world remains to be seen, but it certainly offers a unique alternative for those seeking something different. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether moissanite or another gemstone best suits your needs and preferences.

Janar Kirn

Janar Kirn, from Tallinn, Estonia, is a distinguished entrepreneur and a co-founder of Ice Treasure. With a career spanning since 2017, Janar has made significant strides in the jewelry industry, founding his first brand from the ground up.

Over the years, he has amassed extensive knowledge in the field, becoming a respected educator and jewelry specialist in Scandinavia. Known for his deep passion and expertise, Janar is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences with others through this platform.

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