Moissanite. Diamond by any other name?
In its natural form, Moissanite is very rare. Discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893, the mineral was so similar to diamonds that he thought he had found a new source of them. Strangely enough, just two years before that, artificial silicon carbide (Moissanite) had been synthesised in a lab, which meant this 'diamond simulant' was more widely available and affordable.
Luxury that doesn't cost the earth.
Moissanite is the second hardest mineral after diamonds (diamonds score 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, with Moissanite scoring 9.25), giving Moissanite excellent durability. It’s even more durable than other diamond simulants like Cubic Zirconia.
Testing of Moissanite and diamonds can sometimes give similar results, because Moissanite’s chemical makeup is so similar to diamonds, with Moissanite refracting rainbow colours in certain angles, whilst diamonds refract more white light.
Moissanite so closely mimics diamonds that it’s the obvious choice for those wanting a kinder and more ethical choice of gemstone, without the expensive price tag.
Why is Moissanite more ethical?
Whilst "diamonds are a girl's best friend", getting diamonds out of the earth and processing them is labour-intensive. Countries where diamonds are mined often don't have fair labour laws and there can be a lot of corruption, so workers may be underpaid, work long hours, and lose pay or their jobs if they're absent.
Not to mention the destruction of natural environments and wildlife habitats, and water pollution from chemicals used in diamond mining. Because diamonds are so valuable, conflicts and wars have arisen in some places, with factions taking control of certain areas and causing bloodshed, hence the phrase "blood diamonds". Even diamonds mined in conflict-free countries still means destroying and polluting ecosystems.
Lab-grown diamonds or Moissanite?
Moissanite stones are slightly different to lab-grown diamonds because of their fiery sparkle and cheaper cost compared to diamonds.
Which means, with Moissanite, you can own a beautifully crafted ring, pendant or earrings which looks and feels like diamond, but with a clearer conscience and healthier bank balance.
Moissanite offers such good value that you don't need an excuse. Why not treat yourself or a loved one today?