1. What is Moissanite Made Of?
Origins of Ice Treasure Moissanite: Natural and Synthetic
Natural moissanite, first discovered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893, is a rare mineral typically found in meteorites, kimberlites, and lamproites. Due to its scarcity, scientists have developed methods to synthesize moissanite in the lab. Ice Treasure, a leader in lab-grown moissanite, began producing these gemstones in the 1990s, replicating the beauty of natural moissanite.
Creation of Ice Treasure Moissanite
Ice Treasure moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC). Its creation involves a meticulous process:
Identification of Raw Material
The Lely process, a method used to produce large silicon carbide crystals, combines high-purity silicon and carbon, heated in an inert atmosphere.
Crystal Formation
Silicon carbide powder is heated under controlled conditions until it becomes gas, allowing the moissanite crystal to grow over 2-3 months.
Finishing and Setting
Once formed, Ice Treasure moissanite crystals are cut and faceted into various shapes and sizes. These gems are then set into fine metals like gold and platinum, suitable for prong, bezel, pave, and channel settings, just like diamonds.