History of Moissanite

Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide and its various crystalline polymorphs. Its discovery can be traced back to 1893 when it was first identified by French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan. He found microscopic particles of the gem in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. At first, Moissan believed he had found diamonds due to their similar properties, but later determined it was silicon carbide.

Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so most of the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created. These lab-grown versions were first produced commercially in the late 20th century. Their hardness, brilliance, and fiery rainbow of colors have made them a popular choice for jewelry, especially as an ethical and less expensive alternative to diamonds. Today, moissanite is celebrated not just for its beauty, but also for its origin story that ties it to the stars.