As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, the evening sky began to transform into a canvas of shimmering Moissanite hues. Delicate shades of green, blue, and violet danced in the air, reflecting off the dewdrops that clung to the grass, creating a breathtaking spectacle that felt almost otherworldly. Each color sparkled like tiny gemstones, weaving a tapestry of light that whispered promises of magic and mystery in the twilight. In this enchanting moment, nature seemed to hold its breath, inviting all who beheld it to pause and lose themselves in the beauty of the fleeting twilight.
Understanding Moissanite
Discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a crater left by a meteorite strike in Arizona, moissanite was initially thought to be diamonds. Upon further examination, it was identified as silicon carbide rather than carbon. Given its rarity in nature, moissanite is often manufactured to replicate diamonds. These lab-grown stones require no mining, ensuring their origins are always traceable.
Moissanite Color Grading
Though the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) does not officially grade moissanite, jewelers often use the GIA diamond color grading scale for clarity. There are three main color grades for moissanite today.
These grades are: colorless (D-F), near-colorless (G-I), and faint color (J-K). A D-graded stone is the most colorless, whereas stones become less clear as you move down the scale.
Natural Color of Moissanite
Moissanite is not naturally devoid of color. Similar to diamonds, moissanite can range from clear to colored. While many are labeled as colorless, this clarity is achieved in the lab. Clear moissanite is pricier due to its rarity. Natural moissanite typically has a yellow hue akin to a K on the GIA diamond color grading scale.
Fancy Colored Moissanite
The color spectrum of moissanite is vast. It includes shades like grey, green, gold, brown, blue, purple, pink, and yellow, among others. Opting for a fancy colored moissanite loose stone can be an excellent choice when designing a custom jewelry piece.
Significance of “Treated Moissanite”
While moissanite does have minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification, they are typically not noticeable to the naked eye and don’t affect the stone’s clarity. Lab-grown moissanite often has fewer inclusions, resulting in a visually appealing stone.
To further minimize the appearance of inclusions, consider these tips:
Larger moissanite stones are more likely to show color. Hence, a halo moissanite engagement ring might be ideal. Surrounding a smaller moissanite stone with accent diamonds can increase the ring’s size and reduce inclusions’ visibility. Additionally, opting for white gold or platinum settings can enhance the stone’s colorless appearance.
Color Treatment in Moissanite
Moissanite often undergoes high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) treatment to achieve various colors. This process allows manufacturers to cater to consumers who prefer stones with specific colors.
During HPHT treatment, the moissanite is exposed to both high temperatures and pressure. For fancy colored diamonds, a second step involving irradiation (exposure to artificial radiation) may be employed. While the resulting color is permanent, the stone requires gentle cleaning and maintenance to avoid scratches from everyday wear.
FAQs
Is all moissanite lab-grown?
How is moissanite graded for color?
Is moissanite naturally colorless?
Moissanite is not naturally colorless. The rare natural form, typically found in meteorites, can present shades of green, yellow, gray, and brown.
However, lab-grown moissanite is generally produced to be near colorless or colorless, though lower-quality stones might have slight yellow or gray tints. The controlled laboratory process allows for better color manipulation, making most moissanite used in jewelry appear colorless or near colorless.
