If you've ever wondered what is moissanite or where does moissanite come from, you're not alone. With its exceptional brilliance and remarkable durability, moissanite has become one of the most sought-after gemstones in modern jewellery. Yet its story begins far beyond Earth.
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist and Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan, who identified tiny crystals within a meteorite crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, these crystals were later identified as silicon carbide (SiC), an incredibly rare naturally occurring mineral. Due to its rarity in nature, natural moissanite is almost never found in quantities large enough to be used in jewellery.
So, how is moissanite made today?
Modern moissanite is lab-created, using advanced technology to recreate the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties as naturally occurring moissanite. The process begins with a small silicon carbide crystal, known as a seed, which is placed inside specialist equipment where intense heat and carefully controlled conditions allow larger crystals to develop over time. Once fully formed, the crystals are cut, polished and graded into the beautiful gemstones used in fine jewellery.
Because every stone is created under controlled conditions, lab-created moissanite offers exceptional consistency in quality while preserving the unique characteristics that make the gemstone so admired. It also allows expert cutters to maximise each stone's brilliance, fire and symmetry.
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available, making it an excellent choice for jewellery designed to be worn every day. Its high refractive index and exceptional light dispersion create the unmistakable sparkle that has made it one of the world's most brilliant gemstones.
At Beauxier, we carefully source and certify exceptional moissanites in Colourless, Light Champagne and Mid Champagne, ensuring every stone meets our standards for quality, brilliance and craftsmanship. From its extraordinary origins in a meteorite to the precision of modern gemstone creation, moissanite represents the perfect balance of science, innovation and timeless beauty.