Moissanite is a gemstone that is mainly used in jewelry instead of diamonds. It's made from silicon carbide and is really strong, sparkly, and affordable compared to natural diamonds.
It was first found in a meteor crater by a scientist named Henri Moissan in 1893. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so most of what we see in jewelry is made in a lab. At Icemafia, we specialize in offering beautiful moissanite jewelry that captures this unique gem's amazing qualities.
What is moissanite made from?
Moissanite isn't just a fake diamond; it's a gemstone with similar features as diamond. While diamonds are made of pure carbon, moissanite is made of silicon carbide.
Natural moissanite is so rare that finding it in nature is like winning the lottery. These days, scientists make moissanite in labs because finding it naturally is almost impossible.
Unique features of moissanite
One of the best looking features about moissanite is how it sparkles in light. It has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means it reflects light in a really colorful and eye-catching way. You’ll notice this especially when you see it in the sunlight.
This unique sparkle makes moissanite a great choice for rings and other jewelry. At Icemafia, we love how moissanite shines in every piece, making each one a standout. For example our earrings are a noticeable addition to your daily outfit.
Hardness and durability
Moissanite is very tough. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, which measures how hard a mineral is, moissanite scores a 9.25 out of 10. Diamonds score a perfect 10, so moissanite is almost as hard.
This means it doesn’t scratch easily and stays looking new for a long time. Plus, it can handle high temperatures without breaking, making it perfect for jewelry you wear every day, like rings and earrings. That's why we offer a lifetime guarantee for our jewelry pieces!
Moissanite vs. other gemstones
Lab-grown/natural diamonds vs. moissanite
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite both look like natural diamonds, but they are different.
Diamonds grown in laboratories are exactly the same as natural diamonds, while moissanite is different in its structure and material. This difference isn't that noticeable for an untrained eye and can even fool some of the diamond tester pens.
Cubic zirconia vs. moissanite
Cubic zirconia and moissanite are both man-made in laboratories, but moissanite is tougher and sparkles more. Zirconia's hardness on a Mohs scale is between 8 - 8-.5. Cubic zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide, while moissanite is silicon carbide. Moissanite is closer to diamonds in terms of hardness and looks, than zirconias.
Environmental and ethical considerations
Moissanite is also a good choice environmentally. Since it's made in a lab, making moissanite has a smaller impact on the planet compared to mining diamonds. Compared to lab diamonds, moissanite takes less resources to create, which also makes it a bit more environmentally better choice. If you’re someone who wants to make an eco-friendly choice, moissanite is a great option.
Should you choose moissanite jewelry
Moissanite is a fantastic gemstone that combines beauty, strength, and affordability. Its unique properties and eco-friendly production make it a top choice for people looking for an alternative to diamonds.
Whether you’re looking for a bracelet for everyday wear or a gift for him/her, moissanite offers a stunning sparkle that will definitely catch your eye. Check out Icemafia's collection to find the perfect moissanite piece for you.