Moissanite - natural and artificial, properties, price, who suits

Ornamental

Moissanite, or silicon carbide, is the only mineral in the world that has been obtained in the laboratory before it was found in nature. Precisely imitating a diamond, moissanite surpasses it in almost all optical and physical properties, for which it has a special value.

History and origin

The first attempts to synthesize silicon carbide in the laboratory were made in 1824 by the Swedish chemist Jens Jakob Berzelius. However, this was only possible in 1892 by the American chemist Edward Acheson.

Edward Goodrich Acheson
Edward Goodrich Acheson

Jons Jakob Berzelius
Jons Jakob Berzelius

Having received the first crystalline sample of silicon carbide, he describes it for a patent, after which, a year later, he receives a patent and names the future mineral carborundum.

exhibit
Exhibit - Carborundum

In 1904, Ferdinand Frederic Henri Moissan, examining meteorite samples found in Diablo Canyon (Arizona, USA), he discovers hexagonal silicon carbide plates. This was the first discovery of the mineral in nature, after which it got its name - moissanite.

Deposits of natural moissanite

Natural moissanite is found only in the form of small inclusions in meteorites and kimberlite rocks, in diamond deposits. These inclusions are so small that sometimes they can only be seen with a microscope.

Physical and chemical properties of the stone

Property Description
Formula SiC
Hardness 8,5 - 9,5
Refractive index nω=2,654,
nε=2,967,
birefringence 0,313 (for 6H-SiC form)
Density (measured) 3.218 - 3.22, average = 3.21
Syngonia Hexagonal
Kink Crustaceous
Cleavage Fuzzy by (0001)
Brilliance Diamond to metallic
Transparency Transparent
Color Colorless, green, yellow, black

Varieties and colors

According to modern classification, the mineral is divided into two types - natural (moissanite) and synthesized (carborundum):

  1. Natural, opaque stones are black and dark green in color, and their size is 0,5-4 mm.
  2. An artificial mineral can be presented in the form of 4-12 mm crystals, abrasive chips or in powder form.

pebbles

In addition, scientists have learned how to obtain such types of stone as:

  • colorless, transparent imitation of a diamond;
  • jewelry samples of blue, yellow, green, cognac and black shades;
  • technical samples of purple, brown and other dark colors.

Applications

Both natural and artificial stone have a great resemblance to a diamond, while a diamond is harder, less refractory, and slightly inferior in beauty to its counterpart. That is why moissanite is highly valued by jewelers and collectors.

Artificial stone, in addition to jewelry, is widely used in industry. It is used to make:

  • abrasive tools;
  • covering sections of bulletproof vests;
  • composite armor;
  • protection of devices against overvoltage;
  • transistors;
  • diodes, semiconductors, sealing parts;
  • telescopic optics;
  • heating elements;
  • disc brakes;
  • diesel filters.

In addition, it is a catalyst in the oxidation of hydrocarbons, and is used for the synthesis of graphene and in nuclear energy.

Medicinal properties

According to lithotherapists, contemplation of a colorless, blue or light green stone helps to heal:

  • diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system;
  • stress, depression;
  • somatic diseases;
  • climacteric syndrome;
  • psychiatric illnesses.

Reference! The mineral does not help with diseases with pathological changes in tissues, such as fractures, strokes, ulcers, atherosclerosis, etc.

Also, when contemplating a stone, attention, memory, brain activity improves, nervous strain goes away, energy and vitality increase.

Magical properties

Talismans with moissanite attract good luck and help to reveal the best traits of character, while amulets and amulets protect from adversity. Any jewelry with natural / artificial stone has the same magical properties.

stone

The stone itself helps to keep emotions under control, gives courage and strengthens the spirit, supports in difficult life situations. It helps to overcome fear and self-doubt, develops the talent of eloquence, does not allow any factors to influence the decisions of its owner. And the stone is able to improve the financial situation.

Interacting with all chakras, it purifies the energy flows and spirituality of a person.

Reference! For magical effects, both the stone itself and any products with it are suitable. Natural moissanite does not need to be activated, but the synthesized mineral needs to be charged.

To do this, during the period when day and night will last the same amount of time, the artificial stone must be left in direct sunlight. It is best to carry out the recharging procedure in the fresh air and in the morning hours, during dawn. The charging time of the stone is equal to the entire period until the sun rises.

Jewelry with mineral

The processed stone is externally indistinguishable from a diamond. Platinum, silver, white, pink, lemon and red gold are used as frames.

Rings, rings, earrings, studs, necklaces, necklaces, bracelets and cufflinks, as well as sets in various variations look very impressive with moissanite.

ring

Stone cost

Natural moissanite is a very rare and therefore expensive nugget. The synthesis of large stone crystals also makes them expensive.

However, the actual cost of the mineral will depend on its size, transparency and uniformity of color, color and directly the quality of the cut. For example:

  • a colorless artificial faceted stone of 1 carat (about 6,9 mm in diameter) will cost about $ 300;
  • a stone of a green or blue hue of 1 carat is much cheaper - 240-250 dollars;
  • copies of 1 carat black, cognac or yellow - 220-230 dollars.

Of course, the cost of moissanite is lower than that of diamond, but small (up to 2 mm) stone chips will be more expensive than diamond of the same size.

Jewelry care

Moissanite jewelry should be stored in individual bags or cases. It is recommended to clean the product after each wear.

Jewelers clean jewelry using ultrasound, and at home, you can remove cosmetics, grease and other organic dirt using dishwashing gel. Products are cleaned with a soft brush with gel, and then washed under running, slightly warm water. After that, the jewelry is wiped with a soft cloth, if necessary, dried with a hairdryer, and finally polished with a napkin.

Instead of a gel, you can use an ammonia solution: mix cold clean water and ammonia in proportions of 3 to 1. Dip the jewelry into the resulting solution for 10 minutes, then clean it with a brush, rinse with warm water, dry and polish.

Reference! Jewelry should be removed before going to the gym, jogging, or any other increased physical activity.

How to wear

Jewelry with moissanite is ideal for an evening or formal dress, classic and romantic style of clothing. In this case, the stone should always be in sight. For example, if these are earrings with a stone, then the hairstyle should be high, opening the lobes. It is better to combine dresses with bare shoulders and neckline with a necklace. There should be no sleeves with bracelets, but gloves with rings.

pendant

And in no case should you combine moissanite with ornamental stones and other gems.

How to distinguish from fakes

Although moissanite is often used as an imitation of a diamond, unscrupulous sellers sometimes deliberately hide this fact by passing off moissanite as a more expensive diamond.

You can distinguish between a diamond (brilliant) and moissanite using an optical method using an x-ray, microscope or dichroscope. This method is the most reliable and safe for stones.

Among the differences between the stones are:

  • hardness on the Mohs scale - diamond is harder;
  • moissanite shines brighter:
  • cold shades predominate in the color reflection of diamond, and iridescent ones in moissanite;
  • moissanite has no internal defects;
  • Moissanite absorbs UV rays, due to which under ultraviolet light it becomes a bright red-orange;
  • the diamond, when checked by x-ray, changes to green, yellow, blue or red.

In addition to optical methods, stones can also be distinguished by compression, weighing, heating the surface with fire, electrical conductivity, and Hodgkinson. However, these methods are used only by gemologists - firstly, this requires special equipment, and secondly, heat treatment and strength testing destroy stones.

Reference! A diamond does not change color when heated, while moissanite begins to turn green over a flame.

Also, stones can be distinguished among themselves by growth zones with a magnifying glass, microscope and lamp. Moissanite has more rounded growth lines, while diamond has zigzag curves or other unusual shapes.

Rimless stones can be tested with water - the artificial moissanite will float and the diamond will sink.

Compatibility with zodiac signs

("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):

Zodiac sign Compatibility
Aries + + +
Taurus +
Gemini + + +
Cancer +
a lion + + +
Virgo +
Scales + + +
Scorpio +
Sagittarius + + +
Capricorn +
Aquarius + + +
Pisces +

Most of all, moissanite is suitable for representatives of air or fire signs.

For Sagittarius, Aries, Gemini, Aquarius, Leo and Libra, the stone helps to establish the psycho-emotional sphere, and also attracts finances.

It also helps Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces and Cancer to acquire and protect material wealth.

Interesting about the stone

Moissanite is often confused with cubic zirconia - although the first one is more expensive, in terms of its qualities it is slightly inferior to cubic zirconia. Moissanite is more brittle and less wear resistant. You can distinguish stones visually using the black dot method - a dot drawn on a white sheet will retain its size and clarity through cubic zirconia, and will be visible through all faces.

We advise you to read:  Scolecite stone - description and properties, who suits the Zodiac, the price of the mineral
Source