Are you curious about where is Moissanite found?
This precious gemstone is incredibly rare in nature, and its discovery is quite fascinating.
Moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.
At first, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds, but in 1904 he identified the crystals as silicon carbide.
This remarkable and extremely rare mineral was then named “moissanite” in his honor.
Moissanite is so rare that it has only been found in upper mantle rock and meteorites.
Discoveries have shown that moissanite occurs naturally as inclusions in diamonds, xenoliths, kimberlite, and lamproite.
Despite its rarity, moissanite gems have come a long way from being just silicon carbide.
Scientists in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina later developed the thermal growing process that creates silicon carbide crystals, which are fashioned into moissanite gemstones.
Discovery Of Moissanite
Moissanite is a rare mineral that was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893.
Moissan was examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona when he came across the mineral.
At first, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds, but in 1904 he identified the crystals as silicon carbide.
Role Of Henri Moissan
Henri Moissan was a renowned chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906 for his work in isolating fluorine gas.
His discovery of moissanite was a significant achievement in the field of mineralogy.
Moissan spent the remainder of his life trying to recreate his extraordinary finding but never succeeded.
Murchison Meteorite
Moissanite is found in very small quantities in nature and is mostly created in laboratories for use in jewelry.
However, in 1969, a meteorite fell in Murchison, Victoria, Australia, which contained a significant amount of moissanite.
This meteorite is considered one of the most important meteorites ever found because of the variety of organic compounds it contained, including amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.
In conclusion, the discovery of moissanite was a significant achievement in the field of mineralogy, and it owes its discovery to Henri Moissan’s exceptional work.
While moissanite is mostly created in laboratories, the Murchison meteorite is a rare example of a natural source of the mineral.
Where Is Moissanite Found
Moissanite is a rare mineral that is mainly found in meteorites and rocks from the upper mantle.
However, there are also a few locations on Earth where moissanite can be found.
In this section, we will explore some of the places where moissanite is found.
Arizona And Wyoming
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.
Later, moissanite was also found in the Green River Formation in Wyoming.
These locations are known for producing some of the largest and highest quality moissanite crystals.
Kishon River, Haifa
In 2008, moissanite was discovered in the Kishon River in Haifa, Israel.
The moissanite crystals found in this location are small and are often used in industrial applications.
Australia
Moissanite has been found in several locations in Australia, including the Victoria region and the Western Australia region.
In the City of Greater Shepparton, Victoria, moissanite has been found in the Goulburn River.
In the Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire, Western Australia, moissanite has been found in the Lake Argyle area, which is also home to the Argyle Diamond Mine.
Austria
Moissanite has been found in several locations in Austria, including the Styria region.
In the Liezen District, moissanite has been found in the Gams bei Hieflau area.
The Gams stratigraphic sections are known for producing high-quality moissanite crystals.
Azerbaijan And Belarus
Moissanite has been found in the Aghjabadi District in Azerbaijan and the Mogilev Region in Belarus.
In Azerbaijan, moissanite was discovered in the Hindarx and Indarch meteorites.
In Belarus, moissanite has been found in kimberlite rocks.
Overall, moissanite is a rare mineral that is mainly found in meteorites and rocks from the upper mantle.
However, there are a few locations on Earth where moissanite can be found, including Arizona, Wyoming, Israel, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.
Moissanite Vs Diamonds
When it comes to choosing between moissanite and diamonds, there are a few key differences to consider.
In this section, we will compare the two gemstones in terms of durability, brilliance, and color.
Comparing Durability
Diamonds are known for their exceptional durability, ranking as a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Moissanite, on the other hand, ranks as a 9.25, making it a close second in terms of hardness.
While both gemstones are durable enough for everyday wear, diamonds are slightly more resistant to scratches and chips.
Comparing Brilliance
Both moissanite and diamonds are known for their brilliant sparkle, but there are some differences in the way they reflect light.
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means it has more sparkle and fire.
However, some people prefer the more subtle, understated sparkle of diamonds.
Comparing Color
When it comes to color, diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Moissanite, on the other hand, is naturally colorless, although it can sometimes exhibit a yellow or green tint.
However, this is usually only noticeable in larger stones and can be minimized through careful selection.
In summary, both moissanite and diamonds have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
While diamonds are slightly more durable and have a more subtle sparkle, moissanite offers more fire and brilliance and is a more affordable option.
Synthetic Moissanite
If you’re in the market for a diamond substitute, you may have come across synthetic moissanite.
It’s a lab-grown gemstone that’s becoming increasingly popular due to its similarities to diamonds and lower price point.
In this section, we’ll explore the world of synthetic moissanite and how it’s made.
The Role Of Charles & Colvard
Charles & Colvard is a company that specializes in the creation and distribution of lab-grown moissanite.
They have been at the forefront of the moissanite industry since the 1990s and have played a significant role in making synthetic moissanite accessible to consumers.
Their patented process for creating moissanite involves growing silicon carbide crystals in a laboratory setting.
Laboratory-Grown Moissanite
As mentioned, synthetic moissanite is created in a laboratory setting.
It’s made by growing silicon carbide crystals under controlled conditions of high pressure and high temperature.
The process can take several weeks, and the resulting crystals are then cut and polished to create gemstones.
One of the benefits of lab-grown moissanite is that it’s more environmentally friendly than diamond mining.
It also tends to be less expensive than diamonds, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
In terms of appearance, synthetic moissanite is often compared to diamonds due to its colorless nature and high refractive index.
It’s a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces.
Overall, synthetic moissanite is a fascinating gemstone that has come a long way since its initial discovery in 1893.
With advancements in laboratory technology, it’s now possible to create high-quality, diamond-like gemstones that are accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Moissanite In Jewelry
If you’re looking for a beautiful, durable, and affordable alternative to diamonds, moissanite is an excellent choice.
Here are some things you should know about moissanite in jewelry.
Engagement Rings
Moissanite engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular.
They offer a brilliant sparkle that is comparable to diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, moissanite is more durable than diamond, so it’s less likely to chip or scratch.
When choosing a moissanite engagement ring, you can choose from a variety of shapes and cuts.
Some popular options include round, cushion, and princess cuts.
You can also choose from different settings, such as solitaire, halo, and three-stone.
Variety Of Shapes And Cuts
One of the great things about moissanite is the variety of shapes and cuts available.
Whether you prefer a classic round shape, a modern princess cut, or something more unique like a pear or marquise cut, there’s a moissanite stone for you.
Moissanite is also available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose a stone that fits your budget and your style.
And because moissanite is lab-created, you can be sure that the stone you choose will be ethically sourced and conflict-free.
When it comes to choosing a cut for your moissanite, you have many options.
Some popular cuts include:
- Round Brilliant
- Princess
- Cushion
- Oval
- Pear
- Marquise
- Radiant
- Asscher
- Emerald
Each cut has its own unique characteristics, so it’s important to choose one that fits your personal style and preferences.
In conclusion, moissanite is a great option for anyone looking for a beautiful, affordable, and durable alternative to diamonds.
With a variety of shapes and cuts available, you’re sure to find a moissanite stone that fits your style and budget.
Other Uses Of Moissanite
Aside from being a popular gemstone for jewelry, moissanite has various other uses.
Due to its remarkable properties, moissanite has become a valuable material in several industries.
Here are some of the other uses of moissanite:
Abrasive
Moissanite is an excellent abrasive material that can be used for grinding and polishing hard materials.
Its hardness and durability make it an ideal abrasive for cutting and shaping other gemstones, metals, and ceramics.
Moissanite is also used in the manufacturing of cutting tools, such as saw blades and drill bits.
Semiconductors
Moissanite has semiconductor properties that make it useful in electronic devices.
It can be used as a substrate for growing other semiconductors, such as silicon carbide, which is commonly used in high-power and high-temperature electronics.
Moissanite’s thermal conductivity and stability make it an excellent material for use in electronic applications.
Electronics
Moissanite is a popular material in the electronics industry due to its high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion.
It is used in electronic devices such as high-power transistors and diodes, as well as in heat sinks and electronic packaging.
Body Armor
Moissanite’s high hardness and toughness make it an ideal material for body armor.
It is used in the manufacturing of bulletproof vests and other protective gear due to its ability to withstand high impact and pressure.
Overall, moissanite is a versatile material that has a wide range of uses across various industries.
Its unique properties make it a valuable material for cutting and shaping other materials, as well as for use in electronic devices and protective gear.
Key Takeaways
If you’re interested in moissanite, you may be wondering about where this beautiful gemstone can be found.
Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.
- While moissanite is found in nature, it is extremely rare and has only been found in upper mantle rock and meteorites. It also occurs naturally as inclusions in diamonds, xenoliths, kimberlite, and lamproite.
- Most of the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-grown using a thermal growing process that creates silicon carbide crystals. These crystals are then fashioned into moissanite gemstones.
- The thermal growing process used to create lab-grown moissanite was developed by scientists in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Overall, moissanite is a fascinating gemstone with a unique history and origin.
Whether you’re interested in natural moissanite or lab-grown moissanite, it’s important to choose a reputable supplier to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that will stand the test of time.
