What Is Moissanite Made Out Of? 2025
As someone who has spent years researching and writing about fine jewelry, I often find myself fascinated by how science and beauty intersect in extraordinary ways. One gemstone that perfectly embodies this union is moissanite—a brilliant, durable, and ethically sourced alternative to diamonds. If you’ve ever admired its fiery sparkle and asked, “What exactly is moissanite made out of?”, you’re not alone.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moissanite’s composition, origins, and unique qualities. Unlike diamonds, which are composed of pure carbon, moissanite is made of silicon carbide (SiC)—a naturally occurring but extremely rare mineral. Because it’s so scarce in nature, virtually all moissanite you see in jewelry today is lab-created. This controlled process not only ensures outstanding clarity and brilliance but also makes moissanite a sustainable and affordable choice for conscious buyers.
From its cosmic discovery in a meteor crater to its modern-day popularity in engagement rings and fine jewelry, moissanite has earned a reputation as both scientifically remarkable and visually stunning. In the sections that follow, I’ll dive into its atomic structure, how it’s grown in labs, and why its unique properties make it one of the best diamond alternatives on the market.
Whether you’re a jeweler, an enthusiast, or simply considering your next purchase, this guide will help you appreciate not just what moissanite is made of—but why it matters.
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The Scientific Composition of Moissanite
At its core, moissanite is made out of silicon carbide (SiC). This compound consists of two elements: silicon and carbon, bonded together in a crystal lattice. It’s this structure that gives moissanite its exceptional hardness, fire, and brilliance.
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Silicon (Si): Provides stability and durability.
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Carbon (C): The same element found in diamonds, contributing to strength and light performance.
The crystal arrangement of silicon carbide is what sets moissanite apart, giving it a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, which is actually higher than diamond’s 2.42. This means moissanite bends light more effectively, resulting in a distinctive rainbow sparkle known as dispersion.
Natural Moissanite: A Rare Cosmic Gem
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, inside a meteor crater in Arizona. He initially mistook it for diamond due to its sparkle, but later identified it as a completely new mineral composed of silicon carbide.
Because natural moissanite is vanishingly rare—found only in meteorites and some trace amounts in the Earth’s mantle—it’s nearly impossible to use it in jewelry. That’s why today’s gemstones are lab-created moissanite, which replicate the chemical and physical properties of the natural mineral while offering greater availability and consistency.
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How Lab-Grown Moissanite Is Made
Modern moissanite is created through a controlled crystal growth process. It takes months to produce a single moissanite crystal large enough to be cut into gemstones. Here’s a simplified overview:
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Seed Creation: A small fragment of silicon carbide serves as the seed.
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High-Temperature Growth: Using advanced technology, silicon and carbon are combined under extreme heat and pressure.
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Crystal Formation: Over time, a large, flawless crystal develops.
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Cutting & Polishing: Skilled artisans cut the crystal into brilliant facets, maximizing light reflection and fire.
The result is a gemstone that is chemically, physically, and optically nearly identical to the natural form—yet far more accessible.
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Why Moissanite Outshines Other Gemstones
Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite’s double refraction and high refractive index make it sparkle even more vividly than a diamond. Under natural light, it exhibits a rainbow-like fire that many jewelry lovers find irresistible.
Hardness and Durability
On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores 9.25, making it one of the hardest gemstones in existence. It resists scratches and chips, making it ideal for daily wear in engagement rings.
Ethical and Sustainable
Because all moissanite is lab-grown, it avoids the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining. It’s a conflict-free gemstone, appealing to buyers who prioritize sustainability.
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Comparing Moissanite and Diamonds
While diamonds are made of pure carbon and valued for their tradition, moissanite offers unique advantages:
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Cost: Moissanite is typically 80–90% less expensive than diamonds of similar size.
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Brilliance: Higher refractive index gives moissanite more sparkle.
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Color: High-quality moissanite is near-colorless, rivaling premium diamonds.
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Durability: Nearly as hard as diamond, but tougher against breaking.
This makes moissanite not just a “substitute,” but a distinct gemstone in its own right.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moissanite
Is moissanite a fake diamond?
No. While it’s often marketed as a diamond alternative, moissanite is a unique gemstone with its own composition and characteristics.
Does moissanite lose its sparkle?
Absolutely not. Moissanite maintains its brilliance forever and won’t cloud over time.
Can jewelers tell the difference?
Yes—professional jewelers can distinguish moissanite from diamond using specialized tools, but to the naked eye, the difference is almost impossible to spot.
Why Understanding Moissanite’s Composition Matters
Knowing that moissanite is made of silicon carbide helps buyers appreciate its value beyond price. It’s not just a diamond alternative—it’s a scientifically fascinating gemstone with a cosmic origin story, grown in labs with precision and care.
When you wear moissanite, you’re wearing more than sparkle—you’re wearing a piece of science, sustainability, and style combined.
Final Thoughts
Moissanite may have started as a rare mineral discovered in a meteorite, but today it represents the future of fine jewelry: ethical, brilliant, and enduring. Its composition of silicon and carbon gives it unmatched resilience and beauty, while its lab-grown production ensures it remains accessible and eco-friendly.
If you’re considering moissanite, remember: it’s not about imitating diamonds—it’s about celebrating a gemstone with its own story, structure, and star-born sparkle.
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