Moissanite is one of the most beautiful gemstones on the planet. In fact, their structure is very similar to that of diamonds, resembling each other to a great extent. For this reason, we invite you to learn about all its characteristics, properties, and uses in this post.
It is a mineral belonging to the group of semi-metals and non-metals, discovered by the scientist Henri Moissan. It is a material that is considered silicon carbide, although its first discovery was not of terrestrial origin.
Before the 1950s, this mineral had only been found in meteorites. Its natural presence on the planet is very rare and scarce, which is why it is one of the most valuable minerals.
Mineralogical characteristics of the gem
This mineral has the chemical formula SiC and a hardness level on the Mohs scale of range 9.25. Its density is approximately 3.2, with a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69. presents adamantine to metallic luster, so it is a highly sought after piece of jewelry.
It consists of a gem of highly refractive nature, with a spectacular brightness that sometimes emits rainbow flashes. It is even a stone that reacts like a prism once the light penetrates it.
Important deposits
There is no main deposit of this mineral, because it is really very scarce. As already mentioned, its main origin goes back to the presence of this component in meteorites. At present, generally I know artificially manufactured in laboratories.
In any case, the discovery of this strange element was made in The Devil’s Canyon, in the state of Arizona. This historical milestone is attributed to Henri Moissan, where the name of the gem comes from.
Moissanite stone meaning
Being such a scarce material, many meanings have not yet been attributed to it in terms of the esoteric world. However, its crystalline structure is linked by very strong links and relationships, which is why it is sought after as a wedding jewel. Some people think that strengthens the union loving, which will be as strong as this mineral.
Of course, these claims lack scientific confirmation, much more being such a strange stone.
Moissanite Mineral Properties
The crystalline structure of this mineral is linked by quite strong bonds, very similar to those of diamonds. It is a stone characterized by bear high pressures, where most of your applications are like synthetic material.
Currently, it is a highly sought after stone as diamond replacement, both for its cutting qualities and for its abrasive properties. This gem is one of the substances with more hardness that are known, although slightly lower than that of diamond.
The only version of the gem that is commercially legal is the one that is produced in laboratories. Being so strange, its level of toxicity or radiation. After all, the main specimens come from outer space.
Moissanite Stone Uses
This rock, despite its rarity, has many industrial applications and commercial. Obviously, its most widespread traditional use is as a gem that simulates the diamond. Of course, its beauty will never be that high, but it is very practical for those who do not have the purchasing power to buy a diamond.
On the other hand, being a hard enough material, it is suitable in high pressure experiments. Previously, diamonds were used, but it is much cheaper to resort to moissan stone. Likewise, it is an interesting mineral in thermal and electronic applications thanks to its high conductivity.
It is expected that within a few years the silicon carbon play a fundamental role in the design of electronic protection circuits. Especially, it is thought that it will be used in energy storage systems, actuators and motors.