Moissanite is a popular gemstone known for its brilliance and fire. This form of silicon carbide offers a distinct sparkle, serving as an alternative to traditional gemstones.
The Discovery of Natural Moissanite
French chemist Henri Moissan discovered moissanite in 1893 while examining rock samples from the Canyon Diablo meteorite crater in Arizona. He initially mistook the sparkling crystals for diamonds due to their similar appearance and hardness. In 1904, Moissan identified them as silicon carbide, a compound previously only known in laboratories, and the mineral was officially named moissanite in his honor in 1905.
Natural moissanite is rare on Earth, found in trace amounts within meteorites, mineral deposits like kimberlite and lamproite, and lunar rock samples. Its formation requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, conditions associated with stellar environments or meteorite impacts. This extraterrestrial origin contributes to its scarcity, making natural quantities too minute for commercial jewelry use.
Synthesizing Moissanite for Commercial Use
Due to the rarity of natural moissanite, scientists focused on synthesizing silicon carbide in laboratories. Edward G. Acheson produced artificial silicon carbide for industrial purposes in 1891, predating Moissan’s discovery. Creating gem-quality material proved a greater challenge; synthetic moissanite was first mentioned in scientific literature by the late 1940s.
Breakthroughs in the mid-20th century, notably by Cree Research Inc. starting around 1987, led to methods for producing larger, near-colorless silicon carbide crystals. This work paved the way for commercialization, with Charles & Colvard introducing lab-grown moissanite to the jewelry market in 1998 after securing production patents. The synthesis process involves high-temperature and high-pressure environments, like the Lely process or Physical Vapor Transport (PVT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. These techniques heat silicon and carbon in controlled inert atmospheres, allowing crystals to slowly form over several months.
Global Production and Availability
Today, virtually all moissanite on the market is lab-created, produced in specialized facilities globally. Initial commercialization by a single producer has evolved, with multiple manufacturers now contributing to its supply, making moissanite widely accessible to consumers.
These lab-grown gems are cut and polished to maximize their optical properties, similar to mined gemstones. They are distributed through various channels, including jewelry manufacturers, online retailers, and brick-and-mortar stores. The global market for moissanite continues to expand, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for high-quality, ethically produced, and accessible gemstone options.