What is the difference between natural moissanite and synthetic moissanite?

The main difference lies in their origin: natural moissanite is rare and found in meteorites, while synthetic moissanite is created in laboratories.

Overview of Moissanite

What is Moissanite?

A moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, also known as SiC crystals. It is named after a French chemist, Henri Moissan, who discovered it in 1893 from a meteorite crater situated in Arizona. The new matter initially used to be considered diamond until Moissan identified the particles to be silicon carbide using a high-resolution microscope. Naturally, moissanite is too rare with a hardly available quantity hence heightened artificial yokels as what is frequently used today is synthetic.

Natural vs. Synthetic Moissanite

Natural Moissanite: Actually, they are naturally available but present as minute majority crystals in meteorites. Synthetic Moissanite: They usually manufacture moissanite in set-ups of pure being thereafter arranging the crystal setup for siC equal to a natural moissanite. Moissanite can be described as a gorgeous, economical, and environmentally conscious substitute to diamonds in precious jewelry.

Properties and Characteristics of Moissanite

Luster: compared to a diamond, moissanite possess a high refractive catalog of 2.65-2.69 characteristic about moissanite’s beauty. The highest realization results in a jiffy sparkler. Thermal Conductivity: Since moissanite treasures a similarized density thermal to manifestations like diamonds, generally moissanite’s and diamond’s conduction rates are somewhat similar over a thermal dissipater.

Color: It is synthetic but almost colorless and exhibits low amounts of green, yellow, or gray. An advancement in technology has led to the production of almost colorless crystals similar to high-quality, better-performing, more expensive diamonds.

Density: The diamond is dense with a specific weight gravity of 3.52, unlike freestone moissanite which is cheap with a specific weight gravity of 3.21. Durability: Long-lasting with a very high amount of resistance to scratching, abrasion, and breakage. A perfect choice for a day-to-day gem.

Cost: moissanite is almost available in almost low delimmas acceptable to diamonds. It renders an alternative, beautiful, and durable shine meaning it acts as a lowly pocket-priced jewelry.

Moissanite Manufacturing Process

The process of creating synthetic moissanite.

Synthetic moissanite is primarily made from silicon carbide. The raw materials are silicon and carbon, the essential elements for creating silicon carbide crystals.

1. Powder Preparation: High-purity silicon powder and carbon powder is mixed to a precise ratio.
2. Heating: The powder is fed into a furnace and is heated to extremely high temperatures, about 2000°C-2500°C. It is necessary for the silicon and carbon to react together, forming the silicon carbide crystals.
3. Crystallization: The SiC crystals are then slowly left to cool. If cooled quickly they would form internal stress, making the final product of poorer quality.
4. Cutting and Polishing: The final cooled gems are then cut up and shaped using diamond-tipped tools, making the final structure of the gems. After cutting they must be polished making them shine and show fire.

Natural and Lab-Grown Moissanite

Natural Moissanite: Moissanite is found in very rare quantities in meteor sprites and some geological formations.

Lab-Grown Moissanite: Moissanite is created in a controlled laboratory to ensure a steady supply of it.

Natural Moissanite: It is found with natural inclusions, like carbon, which make it look less clear and as such less beautiful.

Lab-Grown Moissanite: Almost perfectly clear, and near-flawless because of the controlled environment with nothing to mess up its creation.

Natural Moissanite: Because of its low availability, eventually it means natural moissanite is present in small.

Lab-Grown Moissanite: This can be put inside your jewelry. They are cut in shape, and sizes, from small accent side stones to big mena pendants.

Cost: Natural Moissanite: The only moissanite both rarer and more valuable than synthetic. However, due to its rarity, it will be available only to the most prestigious jewelers.

Moissanite vs. Other Gemstones

Criteria Moissanite Diamonds Composition Silicon Carbide (SiC) Carbon Hardness 9.25 (Mohs scale) 10 (Mohs scale) Brilliance High refractive index (2.65-2.69) High refractive index (2.42) Fire Dispersion of 0.104 Dispersion of 0.044 Durability Highly durable Highly durable Color Typically near-colorless Range of colors Environmental Impact Lab-grown, minimal impact Mining can be environmentally damaging

Buying and Identifying Quality Moissanite

Rarity and Authenticity: Natural moissanite is extremely rare and primarily found in meteorite craters. When purchasing natural moissanite, it is essential to request certification from a reputable gemological laboratory to ensure authenticity.

Clarity and Color

Natural moissanite may have inclusions or slight color variations. Inspect the stone under magnification to check for these characteristics. High-quality natural moissanite should have minimal inclusions and a consistent color.

Source Verification

Given its rarity, it is crucial to purchase from trusted jewelers who specialize in rare gemstones. Esdomera is a recommended store known for its expertise in high-quality and rare gemstones, including natural moissanite. Factors to Consider When Choosing Man-Made Moissanite

Quality GradesMan-made moissanite comes in different quality grades. The most common grades are Premium and Super Premium. Super Premium moissanite typically exhibits better clarity and fewer inclusions, making it a more desirable choice.

Color OptionsMan-made moissanite is available in a variety of colors, ranging from near-colorless to slightly tinted. Near-colorless options (graded D-E-F) resemble high-quality diamonds and are more sought after for their brilliant, diamond-like appearance.

Cut and Shape

The cut of moissanite significantly affects its brilliance and fire. Popular cuts include round, princess, cushion, and oval. Ensure that the cut is symmetrical and well-proportioned to maximize the stone’s sparkle. Esdomera offers a wide range of expertly cut moissanite stones, ensuring optimal brilliance.

Durability

Man-made moissanite is highly durable, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes it suitable for everyday wear, including engagement rings and other jewelry that might be subject to daily use.

Certification and Documentation

Purchase from reputable sources that provide detailed certification and documentation. This paperwork will indicate whether the stone is natural or synthetic. Esdomera ensures all their moissanite comes with proper certification.

Price 

Natural moissanite is significantly rarer and can be harder to find. Man-made moissanite is more readily available and typically more affordable. When shopping, consider stores like Esdomera, which offer a range of high-quality man-made moissanite, providing both value and assurance of quality.

Consumer Reviews and Store Reputation

Researching consumer reviews and the reputation of the store is crucial. Esdomera is well-reviewed for its excellent customer service and high-quality gemstones, making it a trusted choice for purchasing moissanite.