When it comes to diamond jewelry, most people think of traditional, natural diamonds. However, there's a new player in town: the moissanite diamond. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that was discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan. Despite its name, moissanite is not actually a diamond, but it is a gemstone that has many similar qualities to diamonds.
One of the most significant advantages of moissanite is its brilliance. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means that it bends light more efficiently, resulting in a more brilliant sparkle. In fact, moissanite is known for its "fire," which refers to the way the gemstone scatters light into flashes of rainbow colors. This unique characteristic of moissanite makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry.
Another advantage of moissanite over diamond is its affordability. Natural diamonds are scarce and expensive, making them a luxury item that not everyone can afford. Moissanite, on the other hand, is much more abundant and less expensive to mine, which makes it a more affordable alternative to diamond. In addition, moissanite is lab-created, which means that it is more sustainable and ethical than mined diamonds.
Moissanite diamonds also have a higher hardness than most other gemstones, including diamonds. On the Mohs scale, which measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching, moissanite scores a 9.25, while diamond scores a 10. This makes moissanite diamonds an excellent choice for everyday wear, as they are less likely to scratch or become damaged.
Finally, moissanite diamonds are also more eco-friendly than mined diamonds. Diamond mining is a highly destructive process that involves removing vast amounts of earth and rock from the ground, which can damage ecosystems and pollute waterways. In contrast, moissanite is created in a lab, which reduces the environmental impact of producing the gemstone.
In conclusion, moissanite diamond is an excellent alternative to traditional diamond jewelry. It offers a higher level of brilliance, is more affordable, has a higher hardness rating, and is more eco-friendly than mined diamonds. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or another type of jewelry, consider moissanite diamonds as a sustainable and ethical choice that will look just as stunning as a natural diamond.