Moissanite sparkles like nothing else, and the spectacular shine this gemstone possesses has made it one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in recent years. People love moissanite because it’s much cheaper than diamonds but equally as beautiful, if not more so! But did you know that there are different types of technology used in the making of moissanite? Here’s a look at four such technologies and how they bring out the beauty of moissanite to its fullest potential!
1. The first type of technology is mining and extraction. Moissanite is found in very few places around the world, so it must be mined with great care. After minerals extract raw crystals from mines in North Carolina or Arkansas, they send them to a laboratory for testing and cutting. Raw crystals are cut into rough shapes using diamond-coated wire saws before being finished by hand polishing.
2. The second type of technology is electroforming (a process which uses electrical currents). Unlike diamonds, which can only be grown as gemstones (cut stones), moissanite can also be created as an artificial crystal through electroforming. Natural crystals are carefully heated until they liquefy and then deposited onto a metal form that has been coated with nickel. When cooled, the new synthetic crystal becomes permanently fixed to the metal form. During this process, the temperature is carefully monitored to ensure maximum quality and purity.
3. The third type of technology used in the making of moissanite is CVD or chemical vapor deposition (which was developed by General Electric researchers). CVD creates high-quality transparent crystals—like those found in moissanite—by heating compounds such as silicon tetrachloride gas inside a vacuum chamber at temperatures between 1000°C – 1500°C.Moissanite obtained via CVD is typically colorless but can be colored in a rainbow of hues. Diamonds, on the other hand, come exclusively from natural sources; they cannot be produced synthetically.
4. The fourth type of technology used in the making of moissanite is electron beam recrystallization (developed by Robert Ward). It works similarly to electroforming but employs electrons instead of electric currents and operates at much higher temperatures than most forms of recrystallization. Compared to the older technologies, electron beam recrystallization produces significantly larger quantities of moissanite per day and does not require any liquid chemicals. As a result, costs are reduced considerably. All these processes produce a crystalline material called silicon carbide, which is then heated at around 1400 degrees Celsius to turn it into a clear gemstone.
5. The fifth type is the Lely process is a proven way of creating high-quality gemstones with all the benefits of natural diamonds. Moissanites get formed by a fundamental process that requires heat and pressure, much like in nature. Silicon carbide powder may become gaseous when heated sufficiently. It is next to a meticulously regulatory procedure to guarantee that the proper chemical and environmental conditions are to allow the moissanite to develop for a few months. Because the process is crucial and time-consuming, the number of moissanite that can get produced is restricted, boosting their value.
Since there’s no need for excessive heat during production, unlike diamonds, there’s less risk of damaging the minerals. With all these innovative methods available today, you may never have to go back to traditional methods again!
What is the Mohs hardness scale rating of moissanite?
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on the planet, earning a perfect ten on the Mohs hardness scale. Because lab-grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds, these synthetic diamonds have a hardness rating of 10. Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, which is comparable to diamond. As a result, it is a good choice for everyday usage.
Because of its exceptional hardness, you won’t have to worry about it becoming damaged during use like a softer stone like emeralds, which only have a hardness of 7.50.
Everything is in detail. Moissanite is lab-created and hand-selected for outstanding cut, color, and clarity qualities that will last as long as the day it was acquired. We propose looking at moissanite engagement rings as an alternative to diamond rings. It has similar optical properties and is more suitable for a lower budget.
How do you rate clarity?
Clarity grading is by determining the defects, also known as inclusions, in moissanite.
Inclusions are a common feature of all gemstones, which is why their severity and visibility are such good indicators of how transparent a stone is. Since we learned that moissanite is handmade and is reasonably easy to cut, we’ve known that flaws in this type of gemstone are barely noticeable to the human eye. In most cases, great magnification is necessary to see inclusions. The grading system, like all others, works on the same concept, measuring from flawless to included:
• FL, IF: Flawless and Internally Flawless
• VVS1, VVS2: Very, Very Lightly Incorporated
• VS1, VS2: Very Lightly Incorporated
• SI1, SI2: Lightly Incorporated
• I1, I2, and I3: Incorporated
The price of your moissanite might vary by hundreds of dollars based on the amount of clarity. As a result, we recommend that you carefully examine your optimum degree of clearness. The best gemstone clarity grades range from VVS1 to VS2 clarity moissanite.
How does gemstone cut affect clarity?
When cutting unrefined moissanite into the gorgeous stones that will be as jewelry, gem cutters must consider several criteria. Most cutters want to obtain as many raw white gems as possible to sell them at high prices. However, to generate higher-carat moissanite, some grinders omit eliminating inclusions. An experienced cutter may produce superb moissanite with minimal imperfections by balancing weight savings and careful removal of inclusions.
If you’re uncertain which purity level is high, we recommend avoiding any category I1 to I3 moissanite.
Final thoughts
The best place to buy moissanite is from an authentic seller like MoissaniteCo who is reputable. When making a purchase online, make sure the store sells authentic products.
Be sure the item you buy is genuine and certified. Also, be sure it meets your expectations.
As a result of the information discussed here, you will be able to choose the best moissanite for yourself.
