Is Moissanite Lab Created?
Yes, nearly all moissanite available on the market today is lab-created. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, found only in trace amounts in meteorites and certain geological formations. The demand for moissanite as a gemstone has led scientists to replicate its crystalline structure through advanced laboratory techniques.
Lab-created moissanite offers several advantages, including responsible sourcing and consistent quality. The ability to grow moissanite in controlled conditions ensures its availability while maintaining the gemstone's renowned optical and physical properties.
What Is Moissanite Made Of?
Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), a compound of silicon and carbon. This unique material is responsible for its exceptional brilliance, hardness, and resistance to scratching. Silicon carbide naturally forms in extremely high-temperature environments, such as those found in stars or meteorite impacts, which explains its rarity on Earth.
In laboratory settings, silicon carbide crystals are synthesized to produce moissanite gemstones. The resulting product mimics the optical and physical characteristics of natural moissanite while offering superior clarity and consistency.
How Moissanite Is Made
The creation of moissanite in laboratories involves a sophisticated process of crystal growth and refinement. There are multiple ways to grow moissanite, and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is the most commonly used. For CVD, silicon and carbon atoms are deposited layer by layer. Once crystals are fully formed, they are carefully cut and polished into gemstones, with expert cutters focusing on maximizing the stone’s brilliance and fire. Each gemstone then undergoes rigorous quality checks to make sure the stone meets industry standards.
Lab Created Moissanite vs. Real Moissanite
Lab-created moissanite and natural moissanite are chemically and physically identical, with one key difference: their origin. Natural moissanite is an extraordinary rarity, with next to none available in the market, while lab-created moissanite is produced in controlled environments for commercial use.
Advantages of Lab-Created Moissanite:
- Availability: Lab creation ensures a steady supply of high-quality gemstones.
- Ethical Sourcing: Unlike mined gemstones, lab-created moissanite avoids the environmental and social challenges of traditional mining.
- Precision: Laboratory production allows for consistent clarity and color grades, meeting consumer expectations.
Natural moissanite, while a marvel, is rarely found in sizes or qualities suitable for jewelry, making lab-created alternatives the preferred choice for consumers.
