How Is Moissanite Made?
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Diamonds are made under pressure,” but the process behind creating ethical Moissanite jewellery is far less well known.
At TMC Fine Jewellers, we believe in helping you make informed decisions about the jewellery you wear and love. This blog was written to demystify how Moissanite is made, from its cosmic discovery to the careful, lab-controlled process that creates each brilliant gemstone. If you’re curious about Moissanite jewellery, how it compares to natural diamonds, and whether it’s the right choice for your forever piece, you’re in the right place.
The History of Moissanite
Moissanites are recognised as the 'gemstone from the stars', named after French chemist Henri Moissan, who discovered the stone while examining rock samples in a meteorite crater in 1893 and mistakenly identified the gemstones as diamonds.
It wasn’t until 1904 that Dr Moissan realised the rock samples were not diamonds; they were, in fact, silicon carbide (SiC), which we now know as Moissanite.
This discovery changed the gemstone world. However, because naturally occurring Moissanite is so limited, it took over a century for scientists to develop a process to recreate it in a lab and finally produce one of the world’s most brilliant ethical diamond alternatives.
Is Moissanite a Natural Stone?
While Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, it is incredibly rare in nature - too rare to be used in jewellery. That’s why almost all of the Moissanite gemstones available on the market today are lab-created.
Scientists have spent years perfecting and refining the process of producing silicon carbide crystals, allowing jewellers to create high-quality stones that mimic the optical properties of diamonds, producing even more fire and brilliance than their mined counterparts. With the advancement of modern technology, what began as a mineral from a meteorite has become a modern, sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.
The Traits of Moissanite Gemstones
Moissanite gemstones are adored for their high refractive index, which gives them exceptional brilliance and fire. With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, Moissanite is also incredibly durable and resistant to scratches from wear, making it ideal for everyday jewellery.
Alongside their durability, Moissanite gemstones are resistant to radiation and can withstand high temperatures, ensuring their longevity. One of the most captivating features of Moissanite, however, is its dispersion, which means the way it breaks down light into a spectrum of colours. This dispersion gives Moissanite its remarkable fire and brilliance which it is adored for.
How is Moissanite Made?
Moissanite is created in a laboratory using a complex process that mimics the conditions found deep within the Earth. The process starts with silicon and carbon, which are combined under extreme heat and pressure to form silicon carbide (the same material discovered by Dr Moissan).
This combination forms a crystal structure, which is then cooled and carefully cut by our skilled artisans. Each Moissanite gemstone is hand-cut to precise proportions, enhancing its brilliance, clarity, and optical properties. The result is a gemstone that rivals (and even outshines) most natural diamonds.
Unlike mined stones, which can have imperfections, lab-grown Moissanite is made in a controlled environment, allowing for exceptional clarity, making it a standout in both quality and appearance.
How is Coloured Moissanite Made?
Coloured Moissanite, including green, champagne, and other divine hues, is created by introducing trace elements during the crystal growth process. For example, our coloured moissanite is synthesised in its authentic colour, with no plating - so you beloved coloured Moissanite will remain its vibrant and original colour for a lifetime of love, all without compromising the stone’s structure or durability.
Coloured Moissanites are still formed from silicon carbide, retaining the same exceptional fire, brilliance, and durability as their colourless counterparts. They provide a unique way to customise your jewellery, whilst harnessing all the benefits of an ethical lab-grown gemstone.
The Benefits of Moissanite
Choosing Moissanite for your forever piece isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about making a better informed, more ethical decision. Here’s why:
- Ethical and sustainable: Unlike mined natural diamonds, Moissanites are conflict-free and produced under controlled conditions with minimal environmental impact.
- Exceptional brilliance: Moissanite boasts more fire and sparkle than most diamonds, thanks to its unique optical properties.
- Affordability: Moissanites cost a fraction of the price of a diamond of similar carat, cut, and clarity.
- Durability: Measuring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, Moissanite is incredibly hard and suitable for everyday wear.
- Customisable: With consistent quality, colour, and clarity, lab-grown Moissanite can be made to match your unique style and vision.
Moissanite, with its distinctive brilliance and undeniable allure, is a thoughtful, modern alternative. Embodying timeless elegance, it gives you the freedom to dream without sacrifice.
Our Process of Making Moissanite
At TMC Fine Jewellers, we have proudly pioneered the jewellery industry with our own Signature Range of Moissanites: The Moissanite Company Moissanite. Our Moissanite is grown and cut to the exacting standards set by TMC to create the most diamond-like alternative, both in appearance and quality.
We are proud to offer Australia's highest quality Moissanite. Unlike diamonds, which are sourced from various parts of the world, our Moissanite is lab-grown, ensuring a consistent and ethical production process.
All Moissanite gemstones used in our Signature Range are D colour and VVS1 clarity. Each gemstone is carefully cut, polished, and graded to ensure it meets our standards for brilliance and durability.
Whether you’re looking for a timeless solitaire or a custom design, our Moissanite stones offer unmatched sparkle and elegance, without the ethical and environmental costs of mining.
TMC Fine Jewellers - The Finest Moissanite Jewellery
Every piece we create carries the promise of a better choice - for you and for the future. Begin your journey today and design your dream ring with our Signature Ring Builder or secure a one-on-one, no-obligation consultation with one of our jewellery experts.
