What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone known for its brilliance, its fire and how well it holds up to everyday wear. Here is what it is, how it compares, and how to care for it.
A stone from the stars
In 1893, the French scientist Henri Moissan found tiny sparkling crystals in a meteorite crater in Arizona. At first he thought they were diamonds. They turned out to be something new: silicon carbide, later named moissanite in his honor.
Natural moissanite is so rare that it can't supply jewelry. Every moissanite at Arcana is lab-created: grown under controlled conditions with the same crystal structure as the natural mineral, and without mining.
Why people choose it
- Brilliance. Moissanite bends light more strongly than diamond, so it returns a bright, lively sparkle.
- Fire. It splits light into flashes of color more than twice as much as diamond. You'll notice rainbow sparks in sunlight and candlelight.
- Everyday durability. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, it's harder than sapphire and ruby and resists scratches in daily wear.
- Value. A moissanite of a similar size costs a fraction of a mined diamond, so you can choose the look you love without the diamond price.
How it compares
| Moissanite | Diamond | Cubic zirconia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 | 8–8.5 |
| Brilliance (refractive index) | 2.65–2.69 | 2.42 | 2.15–2.18 |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 | 0.058–0.066 |
| Origin | Lab-created | Mined or lab-grown | Synthetic |
Honest by design
Moissanite is a gemstone in its own right, with a different composition from diamond. We never call it a diamond: every piece is sold under its real name. Most of our moissanite pieces are set in 925 sterling silver, and some are finished with plating. The description of each piece lists its exact metal, finish and stone size.
Caring for your moissanite
- Soak in warm water with a drop of mild soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry.
- Lotions and everyday oils can dull any gemstone's sparkle. A quick clean brings it right back.
- Put your jewelry on after perfume and lotion, and take it off before swimming or cleaning.
- Store each piece separately so metal settings don't scratch one another.
Common questions
Is moissanite a diamond?
No. It's a separate gemstone with its own properties. It's often chosen for a similar look, with more fire and a gentler price.
Will it get cloudy over time?
Moissanite itself doesn't turn cloudy. If it looks dull, it usually needs cleaning. See the care tips above.
Can I wear it every day?
Yes. Its hardness makes it well suited to daily wear. Plated metal finishes can soften with friction over time, so gentle care keeps them looking their best.