Natural moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide (SiC). First discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater, it is known for its brilliance, durability, and similarity to diamonds. However, natural moissanite is extremely scarce, and most moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created. It is prized for its hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and exceptional fire, making it a popular diamond alternative in the gemstone market.
Carat | Price |
---|---|
0^ - 1^ | 174$ |
1^ - 2^ | 445$ |
3^ - 6^ | 644$ |
Ore Price | 138$ |
Chip Price | 154$ |
Chemical compound | SiC |
---|---|
Crystallographic array | The hexagonal |
The shape of the crystal | Usually as inclusions in other minerals |
Color | Green, blue, black |
Luster | Diamond to metallic luster |
Sparrows | Indistinguishable (0001) |
Breaking | Shell shaped |
Hardness | 9.25-9.5 |
Specific weight | 3.218–3.22 |
Drawing | Greenish gray |
Accessory minerals | Iron, diamond, garnet, olivine, and quartz |