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Charles & Colvard Presents: What Is Moissanite?

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Browse the basics of Moissanite, then download a FREE Bench Jewelers' Guide

Moissanite (\ˈmȯisənˌīt\): the name given to a naturally-occurring, lab-grown mineral composed of silicon carbide. Moissanite’s chemical and optical properties cause it to radiate unparalleled fire and brilliance, making it one of the most durable, yet affordable gemstones available today.

 

What are the Origins of Moissanite?

Moissanite is one of the rarest minerals found in nature. It was discovered in 1893 when a Nobel Prize winning chemist, Dr. Henri Moissan, found crystals in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Moissan spent years trying to recreate those crystals in his laboratory. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that scientists in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina discovered an innovative thermal growing process to create silicon carbide crystals in a laboratory. These processes have allowed Charles & Colvard to create and cut some of the most beautiful and brilliant colorless gems. Today, the American Gem Society recognizes moissanite as a gemstone distinguished from other white stones like diamond, white sapphire, and cubic zirconia.

What is Charles & Colvard’s Forever One Moissanite?

Charles & Colvard is dedicated to creating new standards in the fine jewelry industry. Forever One™ is the epitome of created moissanite and is the result of over 20 years of continued innovation. Their premium moissanite brand redefines luxury and is available in two color grades: colorless (D-E-F range*) and near-colorless (G-H-I range*). Forever One D-E-F moissanite is a much-desired colorless grade, while Forever One G-H-I moissanite is near-colorless with a slight icy hue. Each is cut from the same high-quality material with similar optical properties, bringing a unique look and differentiation from other gemstones on the market today. Regardless of which one you choose, moissanite’s brilliance will never fade or change over time.

*Charles & Colvard’s color grades are based on the Gemological Institute of America’s diamond color grading scale.

Charles & Colvard Moissanite Cushion Halo

What are Moissanite’s Physical Properties?

1. Brilliance

The chemical structure of moissanite allows it to slow down, bend, and redirect light better than any other gemstone. On the Brilliance Refractive Index, it measures at a whopping 2.691 – making it the world’s most brilliant gem.

2. Toughness

The toughness and durability of a gemstone is tested on the MOHS scale of mineral hardness. This qualitative scale characterizes the hardness and scratch resistance of various gemstones and minerals. Moissanite ranks second only to diamond, meaning not only is it a tough gemstone, but a durable one that can stand up to daily wear.

3. Fire

Fire, or dispersion, marks a gemstone’s ability to split light as it passes through the stone, creating a rainbow-like effect. Moissanite has a fire dispersion measured at 0.104, nearly 4X greater than any other popular gemstone.

How is Charles & Colvard Moissanite Created?

Charles & Colvard has worked tirelessly to redefine the way they produce their beautiful, man-made gemstones. For more than two decades, Charles & Colvard’s scientists have been researching and developing an innovative process that elicits brilliant and unique gemstones. The creation process is lengthy, complicated, and expensive, which means the output for each gem can be limited. In fact, it can take two to three months just to create a single gem! Their manufacturing process and many years of experience make them today’s leading source and global distributor for created moissanite. They are dedicated to creating better products and developing better techniques to enhance moissanite’s stunning brilliance.

Charles & Colvard Moissanite Craftsmanship

Why Should I Consider Moissanite?

Charles & Colvard Moissanite requires no mining to reproduce, meaning it’s both environmentally and socially responsible. Moissanite is grown in a controlled environment, so its origins are traceable and meet some of the highest environmental standards. Even though moissanite is recreated in a lab, it’s an affordable gemstone and costs a fraction of a comparable diamond. When you decide to buy moissanite, you are making a conscientious choice to purchase an ethically-sourced and sustainable gemstone. Choose Charles & Colvard moissanite to reduce the negative impact on the earth and change the environmental standards set by the fine jewelry industry.

Download a FREE Bench Jewelers’ Guide for tips on working with moissanite. 


If you are interested in this superior, conflict-free gemstone, we encourage you to discover the revolutionary brilliance of Charles & Colvard moissanite for yourself at stuller.com/moissanitebenefits/.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Stephenson

Social Media Specialist, Charles & Colvard

Owner of a 2-year-old Bengal cat • Music collector and self-proclaimed 70s and 80s disco expert • Attends as many advance movie screenings as possible • Diehard NC State University Wolfpack fan (Home of Russell Wilson and Zach Galifianakis) • Fifth generation Raleigh, North Carolina native • Grew up 5 minutes away from American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery