How to Identify and Screen Moissanite
Moissanite is a gorgeous colorless to near-colorless gem grown in a controlled environment, starting from a tiny seed. Hand-cut and polished by master craftsmen, Charles & Colvard's Moissanite is created right here in the USA and brings fire and brilliance to life. For many years, moissanite was known for its slightly tinted yellow stone. But that's all changed! Forever One™ Moissanite brings a new grade of colorless stones.
Moissanite Characteristics
Refractive Index (RI)
2.65–2.69
The double refraction reflects more light back to your eyes so it dances with brilliance.
Fire Dispersion
0.104
2.4x higher than a diamond, moissanite bends light into mesmerizing flashes of radiant fire.
Hardness MOHS Scale
9.25
Excellent toughness and made to last through daily wear.
Moissanite’s Physical Properties
1
Brilliance
Moissanite's chemical structure allows it to slow down, bend, and redirect light. Because of this, it measures a whopping 2.691 on the Brilliance Refractive Index — making it the world’s most brilliant gem.
2
Toughness
A gemstone's toughness and durability is measured on the MOHS scale of mineral hardness. This qualitative scale characterizes the hardness and scratch resistance of various gemstones and minerals. Moissanite ranks second only to diamond, proving its toughness and durability to stand daily wear.
3
Fire
Fire, or dispersion, marks a gemstone’s ability to split light as it passes through the stone, creating a rainbow-like effect. Moissanite has a fire dispersion measured at 0.104, nearly 2X greater than Cubic Zirconia.
Identifying Moissanite
Using a jeweler’s loupe for magnification, moissanite is identified by the doubling of junction facets. In layman’s terms, facets are flat surfaces cut into gemstones in order to best reflect light, and facet junctions are where these surfaces meet.
Furthermore, we go to great lengths to avoid confusion with not only diamonds, but any other moissanite that might be out there. Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® can be identified by brand inscriptions on Forever Classic™ and Forever One™ gemstones that are 4 millimeters and larger.
How to identify created moissanite from near colorless jewels
Hover
Double Refraction
View moissanite with a magnifying loupe (10X) through its crown or pavilion. Doubling of the back facet junctions can be seen.
Inclusions
Under magnification, you will see needle-like inclusions perpendicular to the table. All moissanite is eye clean.
Dispersion and Refractive Index
When viewed under a high-intensity light, moissanite has greater fire and brilliance than a diamond, a result of its high refractive index and dispersion.
Stuller Recommended Testers
Secondary to identifying these visual characteristics, specialized tools can help gemologists and jewelers verify the gem's identity. These tools test the electrical conductivity of the material.
There are two moissanite testers on the market that we suggest: The GemOro PRO-M3 and GemOro Testerossa. By following the manufacturer’s instructions, jewelers using the Testerossa can identify moissanite, diamond and white sapphire in one simultaneous test.
See Recommended Tester
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