When it comes to diamonds, many people automatically think of natural gemstones formed deep within the Earth. However, there is a brilliant alternative that has gained popularity over the years—moissanite. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing world of moissanite, exploring its creation, composition, and synthesis methods. Let’s discover how moissanite dazzles with its unique characteristics and how it differs from both natural and synthetic diamonds.
Is Moissanite Artificial or Natural?
It is important to note that moissanite is an artificial gemstone, meaning it is created in a laboratory rather than being naturally formed in the Earth’s crust. While it does occur in nature, the quantity found is extremely limited, making it practically impossible to obtain enough natural moissanite for commercial purposes. Therefore, the moissanite available on the market is always synthetic.
Is Moissanite Made of Glass?
Contrary to a popular misconception, moissanite is not made of glass. Instead, it is composed of silicon carbide, which gives it its unique properties. Silicon carbide is an extremely durable material that possesses exceptional hardness, surpassing that of most gemstones, including diamonds. This hardness allows moissanite to withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
How Moissanite Is Made ?
Moissanite, unlike natural diamonds, is a lab-created gemstone produced by Moissanite manufacturer . Its fascinating story began with the discovery of a meteorite in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan. Within the meteorite, he found tiny particles that were later identified as silicon carbide. Scientists realized that this rare mineral could be synthesized and used as a diamond alternative, thus paving the way for the creation of moissanite.
The process of producing moissanite starts with silicon carbide crystals, which are grown under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. The most common method employed for synthesizing moissanite is called the Lely method. In this process, high-purity silicon carbide is heated until it reaches its melting point. The molten silicon carbide is then allowed to cool and solidify into large crystals. These crystals are subsequently cut and polished to create the stunning moissanite gemstones that we see today.
Synthesis Methods for Moissanite
Synthetic silicon carbide, known as moissanite in common parlance, is often referred to as “synthetic silicon carbide” on identification certificates. It is also called moissanite or the “poor man’s diamond” as it serves as a popular diamond substitute in the market. Synthetic silicon carbide is typically cut and sold as finished gemstones, offering an alternative to natural diamonds.
Raman spectroscopy of thin films of silicon carbide was conducted at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The measurements were performed using an LM 2000 Raman spectrometer with an Ar+ laser at a wavelength of 514 nm, a power of 20 nW, a slit width of 25 μm.
Infrared spectroscopy testing was carried out at the Infrared Spectroscopy Laboratory of the Seventh Department, University of Science and Technology of China. The measurements were performed using an FT-IR Nicolet 5700 spectrometer equipped with an IR microscope. The resolution was set at 80 cm-1, the slit width was 69 μm, the scanning was repeated 128 times, and the testing range was 500 to 2,000 cm-1. Transmission mode was used for single crystals, while reflection mode was employed for thin sections to minimize interference from resin and glass slides.
Sample preparation for artificial heavy mineral concentrates involved crushing in a cleaned crusher, followed by magnetic and heavy liquid separation. The samples were then hand-picked using a binocular microscope and confirmed using a polarizing microscope. Thin sections were prepared using synthetic diamond blades and alumina powder as an abrasive. The polarizing microscope used was the Olympus BX60, and photographs were taken with the Olympus DP11 digital camera connected to the microscope.
Raman spectroscopy of single crystal silicon carbide was conducted at the Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the State Key Laboratory for Metallogenic Mechanisms of Mineralization, Nanjing University. The measurements were performed using an LM 1000 Raman spectrometer with an Ar+ laser at a wavelength of 514 nm, a power of 2 nW, and a slit width of 50 μm.
Conclusion
Moissanite, with its extraordinary brilliance and durability, has captured the attention of jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Through a meticulous laboratory process, scientists have successfully replicated the remarkable properties of natural moissanite, creating stunning gemstones that rival the beauty of diamonds. Although moissanite is an artificial gemstone, its composition and unique qualities make it a sought-after choice for those looking for an ethically and economically attractive alternative to natural diamonds. So, whether you’re considering a wholesale moissanite engagement ring or simply fascinated by the wonders of gemology, the story behind moissanite’s creation is a testament to human ingenuity and the constant pursuit of beauty.