MOISSANITE
The world is quickly becoming aware of the most brilliant, echo-friendly and socially-responsible gem. The unique physical properties of this mineral, along with it's reasonable price tag per carat, set it apart from other gemstones, including diamonds! It is the second hardest substance after diamonds ranking at 9.25-9.5 on Mohs scale with diamond ranking 10 and Sapphires 9, making it extremely durable and perfectly suitable for daily wear. This gemstone is called Moissanite.
QUICK HISTORY OF MOISSANITE DISCOVERY
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On earth, Moissanite is one of the rarest minerals found in nature, yet in space it exists in carbon rich environments such as meteorites, stars and even stardust. It is suspected to have come to earth from outside of our solar system on a meteorite. Moissanite got its name from the French chemist and Nobel Prize winner Dr Henri Moissan who in 1893 discovered unknown mineral crystals while he was examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Arizona. He has identified the crystals as Silicon Carbide (SiC), a compound made of 50% silicon and 50% carbon. In 1950s, moissanite was also found in miniscule quantities as inclusions in diamond and kimberlite deposits. Today however, moissanite is meticulously grown in highly controlled lab environments that ensure formation of the highest jewellery grade gemstones.
FIRST APPEARANCE IN JEWELLERY
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Moissanite was introduced to the jewellery market as a precious gem in 1998 by Charles & Colvard who has obtained exclusive patents to produce lab gown Silicon Carbide gems. They have created products such as Forever Classic (first generation gem), Forever Brilliant (second generation) and Forever One (third and latest generation gem). In 2015 the C&C moissanite patents have expired in most countries, opening the market to others to manufacture the mineral worldwide. This has sparked an increased interest in this rare and stunningly beautiful gem, setting off a true moissanite revolution that is gaining traction every day.
The largest known natural moissanite crystal, found along the Kishon River in northeastern Israel, measures 4.1 mm in its longest dimension. Photo by Vered Toledo.
Lab cultivated moissanite cut into a disc.
Perfectly cut, faceted and polished
NOVALLUMINA™ Pure Hearts™ round gem.