Charles & Colvard

Created Moissanite©

An amazing gift from the stars

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 Moissanite Jewelry

Fifty thousand years ago, a meteorite containing a unique secret landed in the Arizona desert.

It wasn't until 1893 that Dr. Henri Moissan (who later received the Nobel prize for chemistry) examined samples taken from the meteorite's crater and discovered particles of an intriguing new mineral, silicon carbide (later name "moissanite" in his honor).

Natural moissanite crystals large enough for use in jewelry are extremely rare-found in limited quantities or as small particles. However, almost 100 years after Dr. Moissan's amazing discover, science developed a way to duplicate this gift from the stars.

Early in the 1980's, a prominent US. scientist predicted that moissanite could have a place in the jewelry industry if the secrets of natural moissanite could be duplicate for growing large crystal. Soon after, a proprietary process was developed for producing large, gem-quality crystals-and when a master diamond cutter suggested faceting them to make highly durable and brilliant jewels, Charles & Colvard created Moissanite was born.

Gemstone Properties Comparison Chart

Refractive

Index

(Brilliance)

Dispersion

(Fire)

Luster

Hardness

Toughness

Moissante

2.65-2.69

0.104

20.4%

9 1/4

Good

Diamond

2.42

0.044

17.2%

10

Good

Cubic Zirconia

2.17

0.060

13.6%

8 1/2

Good

Ruby

1.77

0.018

7.7%

9

Excellent

Sapphire

1.77

0.018

7.7%

9

Excellent

Emerald

1.58

0.014

5.1%

7 1/2

Good to Poor

Quartz

1.544

0.013

5.6%

7

Good

1. What makes Moissanite sparkle?

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 brilliant then diamond (RI 2.42) or any other popular gemstone, such as ruby, sapphire, emerald.

2. 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.

3. Does Moissanite have any identifying characteristics such as inclusions?

Needle-like inclusions are inherent to the crystal growth process and can be seen under magnification

4. How is Moissanite graded for clarity?

Using a 10x loupe, each individual jewel is examined for inclusions that affect the optical performance of the jewel.

5. Is Moissanite available in different colors?

Yes. Most Moissanite sold today is near-colorless. However, a Limited quantity of green Moissanite (light, medium and dark) is also available.