What Is Moissanite? The Gem First Found in a Meteor Crater

The story of moissanite literally begins in space. In 1893 the French chemist Henri Moissan was studying fragments of a meteorite from the Canyon Diablo crater in Arizona and found tiny, sparkling crystals in them. At first he thought he had found diamonds. Only later did it turn out to be an entirely different mineral, silicon carbide, which was named moissanite in his honor. Moissan went on to win the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for completely different research.

Why is there no natural moissanite in jewelry?

Natural moissanite is extremely rare, and the crystals found in nature are too small for jewelry. So all moissanite used in jewelry is created in a lab, with exactly the same chemical composition. The technology to grow crystals large and clean enough for jewelry matured in the late 1990s, and the stone has been gaining popularity ever since.

What makes it special

• Very hard: 9.25 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond among gemstones commonly used in jewelry.
• Exceptionally brilliant: a high refractive index and strong “fire” that scatters rainbow colors.
• Heat resistant: the stone is not damaged by high heat, so it is safe even during jewelry repairs.
• Stable: it does not change color or turn cloudy over the years.

How to choose a moissanite piece

• Size: check the diameter in millimeters. A 6.5 mm round stone looks like a one-carat diamond.
• Cut: round is the most brilliant, oval and pear lengthen the finger, and square (princess) looks modern.
• Metal: classic white 925 sterling silver, or gold plating for a warm look.
• Certificate: a GRA certificate confirms the stone is moissanite and lists its specifications. See our GRA certificate guide.

How to keep it sparkling

Moissanite itself does not dull, but oils, creams and dust that build up under the stone block the light. Soak the piece for a few minutes in lukewarm water with a little dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth. The silver itself is best stored in a sealed bag, as we explain in our 925 silver guide.

The comparison everyone asks about

Most people interested in moissanite ask how it compares to diamond. We covered every difference in moissanite vs diamond.

Browse the pieces: the MUSK moissanite collection, including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.