Unique Properties |
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Refractive Index (Brilliance) |
Dispersion (Fire) |
Luster Index |
Mohs Hardness |
Toughness |
Specific Gravity |
Moissanite |
2.65 - 2.69 |
0.104 |
20.4% |
9.25 |
Excellent |
3.21 |
Diamond |
2.42 |
0.044 |
17.2% |
10 |
Good * |
3.52 |
Cubic Zirconia |
2.17 |
.060 |
N/A |
8.25 |
N/A |
5.80 |
Ruby |
1.77 |
0.018 |
7.4% |
9 |
Excellent ** |
4.00 |
Sapphire |
1.77 |
0.018 |
7.4% |
9 |
Excellent ** |
4.00 |
Emerald |
1.58 |
0.014 |
4.8% |
7.5 |
Good to Poor |
2.72 |
* In cleavage direction, otherwise excellent **Except twinned stones .
Source: Hodgkinson, Allan, F.G.A. D.G.A, Rapport Diamond Report, Laboratory Analysis of Moissanite, December 4, 1998,
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Brilliance
What makes Moissanite "sparkle"? What characteristics of Moissanite give it such exceptional brilliance?
The Refractive Index (RI) of a gemstone is the most important physical property affecting its potential brilliance (sparkle). With an RI of 2.65 - 2.69, Moissanite displays more brilliance than diamond (RI 2.42) or any other popular gemstone, such as ruby (RI 1.77), sapphire (RI 1.77), and emerald (RI 1.58). See picture of Moissanite fire and brilliance versus Diamond and CZ.
Will the brilliance ever fade?
No. Charles & Colvard provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty that every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel will maintain its brilliance and fire for the lifetime of the owner.
Fire (Dispersion)
What gives Moissanite its fire?
A gemstone's "fire" is caused by dispersion - the property by which light is spread out according to its wavelengths (colours) as it passes through an object. Moissanite's dispersion is 0.104 and can be calculated scientifically.
How does Moissanite's fire compare with that of other popular gems?
Moissanite displays 2.4 times more dispersion or fire than diamond (0.044) and much more dispersion than ruby (0.018), sapphire (0.018) and emerald (0.014). See picture of Moissanite fire and brilliance versus Diamond and CZ.
Will a Moissanite jewel ever lose its fire?
No. Charles & Colvard provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty that every Charles & Colvard created Moissanite jewel will maintain its fire and brilliance for the lifetime of the owner.
Hardness
Is Moissanite resistant to scratching?
Yes. Second in hardness only to diamond, Moissanite is durable and tough. Moissanite is harder than a steel file and extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion. Moissanite measures 9.25 on the Mohs Scale (Diamond 10, CZ 8).
As a rule, if your gem does not measure at least 7 on the MOHS scale, it is a delicate stone and can be damaged very easily. As a result, Moissanite is perfect for people with active lifestyles since it measures 9.25 on the MOHS scale.
Toughness
Can Moissanite break easily?
No. Based on measurable scientific studies in high pressure research, Moissanite is extremely resistant to breaking and chipping. In fact, Moissanite is one of the toughest jewels known to man and can stand the test of time.
Is Moissanite heat tolerant?
Yes. Moissanite has heat resistance properties superior to many other jewels. Tests prove that at 1100 degrees C, higher than the equivalent intensity of a house fire, Moissanite remains intact and as brilliant as the day it was created. High heat tolerance makes Moissanite less likely to experience heat damage during jewelry repair. With fire and brilliance that exceeds that of any known gemstone or other man-made material, moissanite is truly in a class of its own.
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