Debunking the Most Stubborn Moissanite Jewelry Myths

Beautiful moissanite ring being madeWhen it comes to engagement rings, moissanite is one of the more popular alternatives to a diamond for many reasons, but none bigger than its affordability. Sadly, its number one selling point is also its common unattractive quality. Its relatively low price has given it a bad rap, assuming that it’s just another cheap imitation of the oh-so desirable diamond.

However, that notion is misguided so as these persistent misconceptions about it:

Moissanite Is Man-Made

While the moissanite gems you can buy these days are a product of synthesis, they’re technically made by nature. Dr. Henri Moissan discovered them at a meteor crash site in late 19th century in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. At first, they were thought as diamonds, but it wasn’t until 1904 they were accurately identified as the natural form of crystal silicon carbide. In comparison, diamonds are carbon in their most concentrated form.

Considering they’re origin is out of this world, all experienced jewelers from any moissanite jewelry shop would tell you that the jewel is extremely rare in natural settings. To make them economically viable, they had to be produced in laboratories. The process of growing pure silicon carbide crystals was only perfected in the late ‘80s.

Moissanite Is Flimsy

Diamond is perhaps the hardest gem known to man, but moissanite is no slouch. Based on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamond has a rating of 10, while moissanite has 9.25. Compared with sapphire, a variety of the mineral corundum, moissanite has greater scratch resistance, making it suitable for making jewelry for everyday wear.

Moissanite Jewelry Gets Dull Easily

On the refractometer, moissanite delivers superior sparkle and brilliance than diamond. The refractive index value of the former is 2.65, while the latter’s is only 2.42. While all stones get dirty, gems with higher refractive values keep sparkling despite the layers of oil and dirt.

Moissanite is no diamond, but it doesn’t necessarily mean its worse. If you love practicality and quality, getting down on one knee and proposing with a moissanite engagement ring could still make her say yes.