Moissanite is a rare mineral composed of silicon carbide that was discovered by Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893. Scientists began manufacturing moissanite gemstones in labs since then, and in 1998 Charles & Colvard began selling the gemstone. Since moissanite is difficult to grow, the gemstone is much more expensive than diamond substitutes like cubic zirconia. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to 10 for diamond, the earth's hardest substance. If they are properly cut by master cutters, a glistening moissanite gemstone often looks like a diamond at first glance. It has measurably more fire, brilliance and luster at a fraction of the cost of diamond. They are available in round, oval, marquise, pear shape, radiant cut octagon, heart shape, triangle, princess cut squares, and antique squares. It comes in a variety of choices of near colorless to very slightly tinted. Even though moissanite gemstone looks like diamond, it does have several characteristics that a qualified jeweler can identify. Under a 10x power loupe, the magnified mosisanite stones often feature subtle greenish tints whereas quality diamonds are often colorless. Moissanite's facets seem to multiply called double refraction, but diamonds only reflect their facets once. Some jewelers have added special Moissanite Testers to their equipment inventories for extra testing. Another form of testing is by floatation test in a dense liquid. If performed properly, moissanite will float whereas diamond will sink. Moissanite and diamonds both have their advantages, the only sure way to know you are purchasing diamond and not moissanite is to buy from a reputable dealer who sell certified diamonds and sell certified Moissanite direct from the manufacturer. Check out more about Moissanite Diamonds
