Moissanite has very close characteristics to diamond. The refractive index or brilliance of Moissanite is 2.65 as compared to 2.42 for diamond.
The dispersion or fire of Moissanite is 0.104 as compared to 0.044 for diamond. Moissanite is the second hardest jewel after diamond with a hardness rating of 9.25 as compared to 10 for diamond.
Yes. It is quite difficult to tell the two apart especially when both have very similar properties. Even many professional jewelers find it hard
to distinguish the two.
Yes, most definitely. As seen on 20/20, Moissanite is the only other jewel that will test "positive" as a diamond when tested using a standard
diamond tester.
Moissanite is sold by stone millimeters (mm) and/or diamond equivalent weight and not by its weight. The same size of Moissanite stones as
compared to diamond by weight, weighs approximately 13 percent less than diamond.
Under extreme temperature, Moissanite has more heat resistance than diamond. Just like diamond jewellery, Moissanite jewellery can be cast in place and will not be prone to any heat damage when the jewellery is being repaired or re-sized.
Particles of the material were originally discovered by Dr. Henri Moissan during his work at an ancient meteorite crash in the Diablo Canyon in Arizona in 1893. This meteorite crash happened approximately 50,000 thousand years ago. This amazing brilliant and diamond-like material discovered by Dr. Moissan was from the fragments of the meteorite. It was named "Moissanite" in honour of Dr. Moissan in 1905.
Moissanites are "H to J" in colour which is similar to many diamonds which also fall into this range of colour. It is still considered to be a white colour; however, not as white-white like other synthetic diamond such as Cubic Zirconia which is less believable since white-white colour diamonds are extremely rare
Unlike Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite will not fracture, crack or discolour when exposed to extreme heat. Also, it will not fade and cloud and will last forever. Learn more about the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia.
Charles & Colvard partnered with Serenity Technologies to develop a proprietary process of whitening that improves the colour and brilliance without any residual effects. This non-coated enhancement transforms each Moissanite up to many shades whiter on the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) colour grading scale and is permanent so your Moissanite will not lose its luster or brilliance.
All Moissanites have more lustre, fire and brilliance than any other gemstone on earth. If you are considering Moissanite for an engagement ring, we recommend FOREVER ONE™ Moissanite for your center stone or large side stones because it has the whitest colour. For smaller size stones, you can still use CLASSIC Moissanites.