Moissanite, the exact replica of diamond, is a distinctive mineral discovered by the Noble prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan in the year 1893. He found it as tiny bits of silicon carbide, inside a meteorite in canyon Diablo, Arizona. The stone was named after him. In the year 1959, moissanite was found with an inclusion of kimberlite in a diamond mine in Yakutia, Siberia and Wyoming- Western United States. It is said that the diamond is the hardest among all the minerals found on earth and moissanite is said to be the second hardest mineral.
Moissanite Gemstone
Now-a-days, synthetic moissanite is also made in labs. Nevertheless, synthetic moissanites aren’t considered true by the gemologists. Many jewelers find it very hard to identify a colorless diamond and colorless moissanite, and many worry of fraudulent sales. This stone is considered a rival to the diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, due to its brilliance and luster. However, lab instruments exist by which a good jeweler can detect synthetic moissanite from the original one.
Moissanite is used in traditional jewelry making as it is less expensive than uncut diamonds and is also used in various scientific experiments in place of large diamonds that are usually very expensive. Many people have started opting for moissanites in the place of diamonds as they look like diamonds and are cheaper. In India moissanites are mainly used in various jewels like finger rings, nose rings, nose pins, earrings and bracelets.
One should consult with a good and reputed jeweler before investing in moissanite jewels, so that they don’t fall into the trap of counterfeit sellers.
