Moissanite Fire & Brilliance

Moissanite is one of the most brilliant and fiery gemstones in the world. It is a rare mineral that was first discovered in a meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Since then, moissanite has become a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry. On this page, we will explore the science behind moissanite's fire and brilliance and why it is a great alternative to traditional diamonds.

What is Moissanite Fire?

When light enters a gemstone, it is refracted and dispersed into its spectral colors. This phenomenon is known as fire or dispersion. Moissanite has a unique chemical composition that gives it an extraordinary fire that is even greater than that of diamonds. In fact, moissanite has a dispersion rating of 0.104, which is more than double that of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds.

Moissanite's high dispersion rating means that it produces more colorful flashes of light, which are also called "fire". The gemstone's facets and internal structure help to maximize its fire, making it one of the most radiant gemstones in the world. The colorful flashes of light that moissanite produces are a stunning spectacle that can be appreciated from every angle.

What is Moissanite Brilliance?

Brilliance refers to the brightness and liveliness of a gemstone. It is determined by its refractive index or BRI, which measures the speed of light as it travels through the gemstone. Moissanite has one of the highest refractive indexes of any gemstone, with a BRI of 2.65-2.69. This means that moissanite refracts light at a much higher rate than diamonds, which have a BRI of 2.42.

Moissanite's high refractive index gives it a remarkable brilliance that is second to none. Its facets and internal structure help to maximize its brightness, making it one of the most dazzling gemstones in the world. In addition, moissanite's high BRI means that it reflects light better than most other gemstones, making it more visible and noticeable from a distance.

Why Choose Moissanite?

Moissanite is a great alternative to traditional diamonds because of its exceptional fire and brilliance. It is also more affordable and ethical than traditional diamonds, which can be expensive and associated with ethical concerns. Moissanite is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, as it is a lab-created gemstone that does not require mining or damage to the environment.

In addition to its ethical and environmental benefits, moissanite is also durable and long-lasting. It has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which means it is almost as hard as a diamond and can withstand everyday wear and tear. Moissanite's durability and longevity make it a practical choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

Conclusion

Moissanite is a gemstone that is renowned for its exceptional fire and brilliance. Its high dispersion rating and refractive index make it one of the most radiant and dazzling gemstones in the world. Moissanite is a sustainable and ethical choice that is more affordable and durable than traditional diamonds. If you're looking for a stunning and unique gemstone for your engagement ring or other fine jewelry, moissanite is definitely worth considering.