Frequently asked questions.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite, also known by its chemical name, silicon carbide (SiC), is a naturally occurring mineral found in very limited quantities or as minute particles in the earth. The rarity of natural moissanite crystals large enough for jewelry prohibits their use.
For years, scientists tried to re-create this extraordinarily brilliant material. Only recently, through the power of advanced technology, Charles & Colvard developed a way to produce in a laboratory, large gem-quality crystals which can be faceted into near-colorless jewels with incomparable fire and brilliance. Moissanite™ is truly a unique and beautiful blend of art and science.
How does moissanite compare to diamond
Moissanite Stone may initially look like diamond however, moissanite is a unique jewel with different physical, optical and chemical properties than diamond.
While diamond's chemical composition is carbon (C) and has a long association with love and romance; moissanite is the mineralogical name for silicon carbide (SiC) and symbolizes the perfect indulgence or self-purchase reward for a woman celebrating important personal or professional milestones or achievements.
Moissanite has superior fire and brilliance as compared to other gemstones and jewels, including diamond. With nearly 2.4 times the fire of diamond, compare for yourself.
How did moissanite get its name?
Natural moissanite was discovered in 1893 by prominent French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan, who later became a Nobel Prize winner. Dr. Moissan began studying geological fragments of a meteorite taken from a meteor crater (Canyon Diablo) located in Arizona. In these fragments, he discovered minute quantities of a shimmering material.
After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that this material was a new mineral, silicon carbide. In 1905, well-known Tiffany & Co. gem expert and mineralogist, George Kunz suggested the jewel be named moissanite in Dr. Moissan's honor.
Is moissanite natural or man-made?
Moissanite does occur in nature however, the crystals are tiny and rare. In fact, they are so scarce that enough gem-quality natural moissanite doesn't exist to create a pair of solitaire earrings.
Today, beautiful lab-created moissanite jewels are available through a proprietary and patented thermal growth process exclusively through the house of Charles & Colvard. The growth process is very involved, technology intense and expensive—all factors which prevent mass production Moissanite Stones.
How is moissanite different from CZ?
Moissanite and cubic zirconium (or CZ) are very different from each other. While they both are near-colorless, their similarities are limited to color. Moissanite has unique chemical, optical and physical properties which easily identifies and separates it from CZ.
Cubic zirconium is widely synthesized by a number of companies, for use as an inexpensive diamond look-alike or simulant. By comparison, moissanite is not a diamond simulant, but rather a unique jewel, unlike any other.
In contrast, naturally occurring quantities of moissanite are so minute and scarce that they are not suitable for use in jewelry. Only one company in the world, Charles & Colvard, has mastered the art of advanced technology and owns patents for creating moissanite crystals for jewelry use. These rare jewel-quality crystals are produced in limited quantities and are carefully hand-faceted into moissanite jewels once each crystal meets stringent quality controls.
Is moissanite a brand of diamond, synthetic or simulated diamond?
No. Moissanite is not a substitute for diamond scientifically, chemically or emotionally. Charles & Colvard Moissanite™ Stone is a unique near-colorless jewel (chemical composition: SiC) that stands on its own and has superb fire and brilliance as compared to any other jewel and offers the value, quality and fashion that self-purchasing women demand.
The Charles & Colvard Certificate of Authenticity ensures that every moissanite jewel is an original which has been created in controlled laboratory facilities by highly-skilled specialists using the latest technology.
Is moissanite durable?
The durability of a gemstone is determined by its hardness, or its resistance to scratching and abrasion and its toughness—or resistance to chipping and breaking. Moissanite created by Charles & Colvard™ is extremely resistant to abrasion and is harder than most popular gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, emerald and tanzanite. In fact, moissanite is second only to diamond in hardness.
Moissanite is tough and extremely resistant to breaking and chipping. In fact, you can have peace of mind knowing that moissanite is one of the toughest jewels known to man.
Can moissanite jewelry withstand repairs and sizing?
Moissanite is a highly stable material and highly resistant to heat. It is durable and tough, extremely resistant to scratching, abrasion, breaking, and chipping. In addition, high heat tolerance makes moissanite less likely to experience heat damage during jewelry repair and common ring sizing.
