MOISSANITE

Due to its diamond-like appearance and affordability, the gemstone moissanite has recently gained popularity. But who discovered this gemstone and where did it come from?

DISCOVERER

Henry Moisson

The revelation of moissanite traces all the way back to 1893 when a French researcher named Henri Moissan found another mineral in a shooting star that had crashed in Arizona. Moissanite was later given to the mineral in honor of its discoverer.

Moissan initially thought that he had discovered diamonds in the meteorite, but after further analysis, he realized that the mineral was something entirely new. Moissan spent several years studying the properties of moissanite and eventually determined that it was made of silicon carbide.

LAB-MADE MOISSANITE

Charles & Colvard

Moissanite remained relatively unknown and unused in the jewelry industry until the 1990s, despite its discovery over a century ago. In 1995, an organization called Charles and Colvard fostered a method for making moissanite in a lab, which made the gemstone more open and reasonable.

The gemstone's price has significantly decreased as a result of the production of moissanite that has been created in a laboratory, allowing for more consistent quality. Moissanite began to gain popularity as an alternative to diamonds due to its diamond-like appearance and lower price point.

POPULARITY

Moissanite has continued to gain popularity in the years since its introduction to the jewelry industry, particularly among those looking for a less expensive alternative to diamonds. In engagement rings and other pieces of fine jewelry, the gemstone is frequently used.

Although some natural moissanite can be found in small quantities in some parts of the world, moissanite is still primarily produced in laboratories today. The development of various cuts and shapes, such as round, cushion, oval, and pear, as a result of its widespread use.