Cons of Moissanite

Moissanite is naturally formed in outer space. outer space image by Doug Stacey from Fotolia.com

Moissanite is named after Dr. Henri Moissan. In 1893, he found the silicon carbide mineral lodged inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo in Arizona. According to Moissanite Buyers Guide, moissanite stones are often mistaken for synthetic diamonds and real diamonds. Synthetic diamonds, however, are only formed in the lab, while genuine diamonds are completely carbon. Since the 1990s, when the Charles & Colvard Co. discovered how to use moissanite seed crystals to mass-produce the stone, moissanite has risen in popularity as an inexpensive diamond alternative. While it can be mistaken for a diamond at a cursory glance, there are downsides to wearing moissanite baubles.

Appearance

Moissanite stones reflect light in a disco-ball manner. golden disco ball image by leafy from Fotolia.com

Moissanite downsides are found in its color and fluorescence. According to Diamonds Are Forever, moissanite stones have a yellow-green tint. This discoloration is especially evident in larger moissanite minerals. Another cosmetic flaw is the fact that moissanite has marked fluorescence. Florescence makes gemstones look hazy and stunt the sparkle. Unlike diamonds, it is common to see the cloudy effect of florescence in moissanite under natural light. Moissanite stones also disperse light easier than diamonds. Between dispersion and florescence, the facets of moissanite reflect light in a cheap, disco-ball glimmer.

Strength

On the MOH scale, diamonds are harder than moissanite. scale image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com

According to Man Made Diamond Information, moissanite stones are not as hard and therefore not as durable as diamonds. On the MOH scale (a scale gemologists use to rate the hardness of stones), moissanite weighs in at 9.25 while diamonds are 10. Moissanite stones, however, are harder than rubies and emeralds.

Rarity

Moissanite stones are not as popular as diamonds when it comes to romance. diamond and rose image by Julianna Olah from Fotolia.com

Moissanite stones are not as old or rare as diamonds. According to Jeffrey Post, curator of the Smithsonian's Natural Gem and Mineral Collection, diamonds form roughly 100 miles below the Earth's surface over millions of years. Though also natural, moissanite is only formed in space, a fact that limits its availability. Hence, labs brew silicon carbide crystals to supply the industry. Unlike diamonds, moissanite doesn't come attached with symbolism, making it an unpopular bit of bling for romantic occasions.

References

• Moissanite Buyers Guide: Diamond Differences
• Diamonds Are Forever: Pros & Cons
• Man-Made Diamond Information: MOH Scale
• Moissanite: History
• "Smithsonian" Magazine: National Gem and Mineral Curator