Moissanite
Phenomenal & Rare Gems
Moissanite is naturally occurring silicon carbide, an exceptionally rare mineral usually found as tiny grains in meteorites, kimberlites, and a few other unusual rocks. It has very high hardness, strong dispersion, and several hexagonal or rhombohedral crystal structures.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Moissanite
- Scientific or material identity
- Silicon carbide (moissanite)
- Classification
- Natural mineral or mineral variety
- Composition or formula
- SiC
- Crystal system or structure
- Hexagonal
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
- Mohs hardness
- 9 to 9.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.21 to 3.22
Origins
Arizona, USA · China · Russia · Turkey · Wyoming, USA
Appearance & optical properties
colorless silicon carbide with intense spectral fire.
History & discovery
Henri Moissan found tiny crystals in the Canyon Diablo meteorite from Arizona in 1893 and identified them as silicon carbide in 1904. The mineral was named for him in 1905, honoring his chemical research. Further terrestrial occurrences were documented in Wyoming in 1958 and Yakutian kimberlite in 1959.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Natural moissanite is chiefly studied as a rare mineral and as evidence about meteorites, mantle rocks, and the environments in which its tiny grains formed.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Moissanite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Canyon Diablo Ring
Ring
A modern solitaire ring set with a near-colourless moissanite cut to catch fire, named for the Arizona crater where the mineral was first found in a meteorite. The stone throws more coloured sparkle than diamond.
Stardust Eternity Band
Bracelet
A line of small moissanites set all the way round a slim band, each one a splinter of fallen-star material grown in a laboratory. The stones flash with a fire no diamond can match.
Meteor Pendant
Pendant
A pendant holding a single moissanite in a mount shaped from meteoritic iron, joining the stone to the rock it was first found in. It is a quiet nod to the mineral's cosmic origin.
Starfall Studs
Earrings
An imagined pair of stud earrings of moissanite, the mineral first found in a meteorite crater, sparkling with rainbow fire.
Star-Born Tiara
Tiara
An imagined platinum tiara of moissanite, the mineral first found in a meteorite crater, blazing with rainbow fire.