Education
Diamond Education
- Lab Diamonds
- History Of Lab Grown Diamonds
- Lab Diamond Shapes
- Lab Diamonds
- Lab Diamond Ring Guide
- Lab Diamond Carat Guide
- Lab Diamonds Color Guide
- Lab Diamond Shape Guide
- Lab Diamond Size Guide
- Lab Diamond Cut Guide
- Lab Diamond Jewelry Guide
- Lab Diamonds vs Moissanite
- Lab Diamonds vs. Real Diamonds
- Lab Grown Diamond vs. Cubic Zirconia
- Lab Diamonds vs. White Sapphires
- Lab Diamonds
- Diamond 4 C's
- Diamond Buying Guide
- Answers to 1 Carat Diamond Questions
- Your Guide to Buying a Diamond Online
- How to Pick the Right Diamond
- Diamond Buying Mistakes
- Real vs. Fake Diamonds
- Lab Diamond Buying Guide
- 10 Most FAQ - Diamonds
- Off Size Diamonds Guide
- Popular Diamond Cuts
- Price of a 2 Carat Diamond
- Top FAQ - Lab Diamonds
- What Is the Average Diamond Size in Engagement Rings?
- Diamond Carat
- Diamond Clarity
- IF Diamonds
- FL Diamonds
- Diamond Inclusions Guide
- Flawless vs Internally Flawless
- Which Diamond Clarity Is Best?
- VS2 vs VS1: Diamond Clarity Comparison
- VVS2 vs VVS1: Diamond Clarity Comparison
- SI2 vs SI1: Diamond Clarity Comparison
- SI1 vs VS2: Diamond Clarity Comparison
- VS1 vs VVS2: Diamond Clarity Comparison
- Accent Diamond Clarity
- Lab Diamond Clarity
- SI Diamonds
- VS Diamonds
- VVS Diamonds
- Diamond Color
- Diamond Cut
- Diamond Cut Types
- Ideal Cut Diamonds
- Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
- What is Diamond Depth
- Diamond Table
- Lab Diamond Cut
- Antique Cut Diamonds
- Brilliant Cut Diamonds
- Rose Cut Diamonds
- What Is The Most Expensive Diamond Cut?
- What Are Step Cut Diamonds?
- Diamond Bow Ties
- How Are Diamonds Cut
- Diamond Brilliance
- Spread Diamonds
- Diamond Fire
- Crushed Ice Diamonds
- Diamond Shape
- Lab Diamond Shape
- Asscher
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Marquise
- Oval
- Pear
- Princess
- Radiant
- Round
- Which Diamond Cut Is Best?
- Round vs Princess Diamond Cut
- Round vs Cushion Diamond Cut
- Cushion vs Princess Diamonds
- Cushion vs Oval Cut Diamonds
- Emerald vs Asscher Cut Diamond
- Princess vs Marquis Diamonds
- Princess vs Radiant Cut Diamonds
- Cushion vs Asscher Cut Diamonds
- Emerald vs Radiant Cut Diamonds
- Oval vs Marquise Cut Diamonds
- Oval vs Pear Cut Diamonds
- Pear vs Marquise Cut Diamonds
- Emerald vs Cushion Cut Diamonds
- Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
- Diamond Certification
- Diamond Fluorescence
- How Diamonds Are Formed
- Diamond Pricing
- Diamond Size Chart Carat & MM
- Diamond Symmetry
- Diamond Polish
- Diamond Girdle
- Diamond Culet
- Engraved Rings
- Fancy Colored Diamonds
- Loose Diamonds
- History Of Lab Grown Diamonds
- Natural vs Synthetic Diamonds
- Diamond Sourcing
- NY Diamond District
- Diamond Certification
- A Guide to Accent Diamonds
Engagement Ring Education
- How To Buy Engagement Rings
- Affordable Engagement Rings
- Cost of a One Carat Diamond
- How To Buy A Lab Diamond Ring
- How to Buy An Engagement Ring In a Time Crunch
- How to Choose An Engagement Ring
- How to Pick Your Engagement Ring Budget
- Engagement Rings For Second Marriage
- Best Time to Buy An Engagement Ring
- How to Buy An Engagement Ring As a Couple
- Everything You Need to Know About Dainty Engagement Rings
- Future Mother In Law's Guide to Engagement Ring Shopping
- Engagement Ring Financing
- Why You Need an Engagement Ring Appraisal
- Best Round Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Square Cut Engagement Ring
- Top Teardrop Engagement Rings
- Best Asscher Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Oval Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
- Twisting Rings
- Best Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
- Best Dainty Engagement Rings
- Best Unique Engagement Rings
- Best Traditional Diamond Engagement Rings
- Best Split Shank Diamond Engagement Rings
- Top 10 Square Halo Engagement Rings
- Top 10 Unusual Engagement Rings
- Black Diamond Engagement Rings
- Edwardian Engagement Rings
- Antique Style Engagement Rings
- Nature Inspired Engagement Ring
- Filigree Rings
- Art Deco Rings
- Wide Band Engagement Rings
- Infinity Engagement Rings
- Best Two Tone Diamond Engagement Rings
- Victorian Style Engagement Rings
- Minimalistic Engagement Rings
- Big Style Engagement Rings
- Cute Style Engagement Rings
- Modern Style Engagement Rings
- Past Present and Future Rings
- Thin Engagement Rings
- Pretty Style Engagement Rings
- Double Band Engagement Rings
- 1 Carat Diamond Ring
- Top Princess Cut Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Cushion Cut Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Women's Rose Gold Engagement Rings
- Top Round Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Rings
- Top East West Engagement Rings
- Top Pave Engagement Rings
- Top Split Shank Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Unique Halo Engagement Rings
- Rose Gold Pear Shaped Engagement Rings
- Top Yellow Gold Pear Shaped Engagement Rings
- Top Oval Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Cushion Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
- Top Marquise Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Yellow Gold Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
- Top Emerald Cut Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Top Bypass Engagement Rings
- Top Rose Gold Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
- Top Rose Gold Oval Engagement Rings
- Top Emerald Cut Halo Engagement Rings
- Top Yellow Gold Oval Engagement Rings
- Top Rose Gold Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
- Top Oval Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Top Floating Diamond Engagement Rings
- Top Cushion Cut Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Top Princess Cut Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Top Simple Engagement Rings
- Vintage Style Engagement Rings
- Types of Accent Diamonds
- Everything You Need to Know Before Setting Diamonds
- Engagement Ring Prong Guide
- All About Ring Resizing
- Identifying Your Ring After A Repair
- Everything You Need to Know About Milgrain
- Everything You Need to Know About Wide Band Engagement Rings
- Eternity Rings vs Infinity Rings
- When To Propose
- What Are Baguette Diamond Engagement Rings
- What to Say When You Propose
- What Are the Groom's Parents Responsible For?
Gemstone Education
Jewelry Education
- Jewelry Buying Guide
- How To Buy Jewelry Online
- Diamond: 10th Anniversary Gifts
- Ruby: 40th Anniversary Gemstone & Jewelry
- Sapphire: 5th Anniversary Gemstone & Jewelry
- Top 10 Sapphire Earrings
- Emerald: 20th Anniversary Gemstone & Jewelry
- Top 10 Push Presents
- How To Shop For Christmas Jewelry Gifts
- How To Buy An Anniversary Band
Metal Education


Moissanite Origin & Formation
Little is known about the mineral moissanite, except that it makes a beautiful and tough gemstone. Less is known about its origins and formation. So, we want to rectify that! Below is some of the information we gathered regarding the formation and discovery of moissanite.
Moissanite’s Origin
Fun fact, moissanite was not discovered in an underground mine somewhere. Instead, this mineral was first discovered in the late 1800s, within a crater in Arizona. Moreover, this crater was created by a meteor.

Who founded moissanite, and how did it get its name?
The person responsible for the discovery was Henri Moissan (otherwise known as, Doctor Moissan), a French chemist. It was not named moissanite (after Moissan, obviously) until about ten years after its discovery.
At first, Moissan merely identified it as naturally occurring silicon carbide (SiC). This is fascinating because, just two years prior, synthetic silicon carbide had been created for industrial purposes.
Once it was discovered that there were other uses for this simulated diamond, and that it was formed from SiC, it was given its name moissanite.
Is (natural) moissanite rare?
Although this gemstone is not as common as, say, diamonds or rubies. It’s actually so rare, that the very first natural moissanite jewelry did not even hit the market for public consumption until the late 1990s. Moreover, because meteors do not make craters here on earth every day. So, the supply from which moissanite is derived is rather limited. However, when a source is found, experts diligently work to ensure maximum extraction, and that it’s of high-quality.
What is Synthetic Moissanite Made Of?
Synthetic moissanite, or simulated diamonds, are made from the same silicon carbide that makes up its natural counterpart. It was never difficult to synthesize, but at first, and for many years, it was just created for industrial purposes. Due to the first batches of simulated diamonds being not visually attractive. Despite its lack of visual appeal, its hardness and strength made it highly durable and useful for all types of industries.
Synthetic Moissanite Formation vs. Natural Diamond Formation
Believe it or not, diamonds do not form from coal. That is a misconception that has been around for ages. Coal almost never plays any part in a diamond formation. Without being too technical, the reason is that coal develops within different layers of the earth, and they form in different directions. That goes on to say, there’s actually more than one method of natural diamond formation.
Synthetic moissanite, or simulated diamonds, however, are formed in labs. Though the silicon carbide (silicone) from which it derives is a naturally harvested compound, the creation of simulated diamonds must be closely monitored and helped along by a team of experts.
Moreover, it is often made from the thermal decomposition of the methylsilane. We know, that’s a bunch of technical jargon. Basically, what it means is that it’s formed using high thermal temperatures. Temperatures are so high, in fact, there is no metal powder needed to bind this simulated diamond.
How is Synthetic Moissanite Valued?
We’ve probably said this before, but the value of stones (of any kind) depends on many factors. First, are you wanting loose moissanite? This gem in a loose-stone form will have a different price range, and you’ll need to compare the prices and ranges for those alone. And, certainly, whether you need a simulated diamond for jewelry or for industrial purposes, that will determine how much you pay for what it is you need. Do you have questions?
For those who are looking for jewelry with preset stones already set in them, the price could vary greatly. For example, are you looking for an emerald cut moissanite bracelet or necklace? Do you need a moissanite wedding ring or band? Are you seeking a simple moissanite solitaire engagement ring?
As with any other gemstone, the number of gemstones in jewelry you’re seeking will make a big difference in the price. Furthermore, the setting in which the simulated diamond is placed or arranged will likely alter the price. Moreover, carat size is definitely another big factor in the price. Again, as with other gemstones, you will likely get better price deals on smaller moissanite stones.
With all this being said, it does not mean that we cannot give you a rough guesstimate in regard to the pricing of moissanite! It is often used as a substitute for natural and lab diamonds because it is nearly as strong and resistant to breakage and damage.
How much can I save purchasing moissanite vs. diamonds?
While natural moissanite is very rare, one of the reasons why people choose moissanite over diamonds is because of the price. We found that you can typically find between a 10-15% price difference between synthetic moissanite stones and natural diamonds (on average).
Of course, you may need to factor in where and how you buy moissanite. Many retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online stores offer this alternative. We recommend making sure it is GIA or IGI certified before purchasing.
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