Moissanite is a gemstone that has been around since 1879. Researchers named it after French scientist Henri Moissan who led in its discovery. The industry also refers to it as a diamond simulant or synthetic diamond.
The Moissanite stone is a superior substitute for diamonds and is perfect for making Moissanite earrings and other jewellery pieces, says MoissaniteCo.com. This is so because it has similar properties such as hardness, durability, and brilliance. In addition, moissanite is much cheaper than real diamonds.
After its discovery, scientists tested moissanite in the lab to confirm its composition. Researchers found out that it was silicon carbide (SiC). Since then, manufacturers can now make it in the laboratory and produce enough of it for the market.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Comparison
Despite dominating in the market for long, diamond has had its own limitations. For that reason, moissanite is a better choice than diamonds because it costs less, lasts longer, and looks exactly like a natural diamond. Here is a detailed look into the features and qualities that make it a better choice over other types of gemstones.
- It is Cheaper Than Diamonds
Diamonds are expensive gems with an average price tag of $500 per carat. However, moissanite costs only about $50 per carat. This means you can buy more moissanite than diamonds. The good thing is that you get all these qualities at an affordable price.
What makes moissanite affordable is the fact that dealers make it from industrial waste materials. These materials include iron scrap, aluminum scrap, steel slag, etc. As a result, moissanite is available in various sizes, shapes, colors, and grades. The ability to make it in the lab means that it is more available than diamond. Therefore, increased supply in the market lowers its price compared to other gemstones.
- It’s durable and Lasts Longer
Moissanite will last forever unlike diamonds, which have a lifespan of 100 years at most. A diamond comprises carbon atoms, which makes it very fragile. If exposed to moisture, a diamond could become damaged or destroyed within just a few days. With moissanite, durability is guaranteed. You have nothing to worry about the period for which it will last.
One of the greatest fears with gemstones is the idea of getting scratched or damaged. However, moissanite is extremely scratch resistant. Even if you drop your moissanite on a hard surface, it will not break or crack. Unlike diamonds, moissanite does not need any special care to maintain its shine.
- It Looks Exactly Like a Natural Diamond
A diamond is valued based on its color, clarity, and cut. Natural diamonds come in different colors, shapes, sizes, and grades. They may even contain imperfections. Moissanite on the other hand, comes in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes. It does not matter if your moissanite contains flaws because they will not affect its value.
For anyone that wants diamond and cannot afford it, moissanite is the perfect alternative. It offers all the same characteristics but without the high cost. Therefore, moissanite will give you a feel of having a diamond because of their close resemblance to diamond.
- It’s Brighter
The best way to describe the brightness of a diamond is by comparing it to sunlight. When light hits a diamond, it reflects some of the light back while others pass through. The amount of light that passes through depends on how bright the diamond is.
The same thing happens when you compare a diamond to another type of gemstone. For example, emeralds tend to appear greenish due to their low level of transparency. On the other hand, Moissanite are highly transparent making them appear brighter than other gemstones.
- It is friendly to the planet
Diamond mining is one of the leading causes of deforestation. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, air pollution, and climate change. On the contrary, moissanite mining does not cause any damage to the environment. This is because manufacturers mainly make moissanite in the lab. In that case, no mining is involved, which could have been a source of conflict and have a negative impact on the environment.
In conclusion, Moissanite is a great alternative to diamonds. It is affordable, long lasting, and environmentally friendly. Therefore, it should be your first choice when looking for a diamond alternative.