Navigation
- What is Moissanite?
- The Brilliance Of Moissanite Rings
- Does Moissanite Lose Its Sparkle Over Time?
- How to Clean Moissanite Rings?
- Conclusion
With its brilliance and affordability, moissanite has become a sought-after gemstone for those seeking a stunning alternative to traditional diamonds. As the popularity of moissanite grows, so does the curiosity about its long-term brilliance. Many individuals wonder whether moissanite, like a diamond, will retain its sparkle indefinitely. In this blog, we will delve into the enduring radiance of moissanite and how to keep your moissanite ring gleaming brightly.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC). It was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who found it in a meteorite impact crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, moissanite is now the perfect alternative to them, owing to its diamond-like appearance.
Natural moissanite is an extremely rare mineral, and its sources are limited. Thus, moissanite used in jewelry is primarily created in laboratories using a controlled crystal growth process. Lab-grown moissanite is considered an ethical choice because it is produced in a controlled environment, eliminating concerns related to mining practices. Moissanite has similar properties to diamonds, making it an affordable and striking option.
Moissanite exhibits a high refractive index and exceptional dispersion, resulting in a brilliance and fire that rivals or even exceeds that of diamonds. This gemstone is second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest known minerals. Moissanite’s durability means that it can withstand the rigors of everyday wear, making it the perfect choice for an engagement ring or wedding band.
The Brilliance Of Moissanite Rings
The brilliance of moissanite rings is a captivating feature that sets them apart in the world of gemstones. Moissanite’s enduring sparkle can be attributed to its unique optical properties. Firstly, let’s explore the phenomenon of moissanite’s sparkle.
Moissanite doesn’t emit light on its own, but it has strong light absorption capabilities. Through manual cutting, the gem can concentrate and reflect external light effectively. When light enters a moissanite crystal, it penetrates the stone, reflects within, and then returns to the observer’s eye. In this process, light undergoes dispersion, separating into spectral components, and creating flashes of colorful brilliance, known as fire. This interaction of light and reflection creates the dazzling sparkle associated with moissanite.
The sparkle of moissanite also depends on the gemstone’s brilliance and scintillation. Brilliance refers to a gemstone’s ability to reflect unbroken white light back to the observer’s eye. This phenomenon occurs when white light enters the stone, and some of it remains unbroken, bouncing back out of the stone in a single, straight beam. The unbroken white light contributes to the gem’s overall brightness.
Scintillation refers to the sparkle or flashes of light that occur when the gemstone is moved or when the light source or the observer’s perspective changes. As the gemstone is tilted or moved, the observer perceives the dynamic and sparkling display of light, adding to the gem’s allure.
Does Moissanite Lose Its Sparkle Over Time?
Moissanite is a great choice for those looking for a modern and chic engagement ring. However, one of the concerns that many people may have is whether moissanite loses its sparkle over time. Generally, with proper care and cleaning, moissanite can retain its brilliance and beauty throughout time.
If you notice that your moissanite gets cloudy, it may be due to the presence of dirt, oils, or other substances on the gemstone’s surface. These substances can obstruct the natural path of light as it enters and exits the moissanite, affecting its brilliance. Fortunately, this does not impact the gemstone’s overall appearance, and a simple solution is to regularly clean your moissanite ring to restore its sparkle. Furthermore, on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, moissanite scores an impressive 9.25. This hardness contributes to its durability, making it resistant to scratches and abrasions that could compromise its clarity. The gem maintains a smooth surface, reducing the likelihood of cloudiness caused by wear.
How to Clean Moissanite Rings?
When it comes to maintaining the brilliance and beauty of your moissanite ring, regular cleaning is key. Cleaning your moissanite ring is a simple process that you can effortlessly accomplish at home.
Fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to create a soapy solution. Ensure the water is not too hot to avoid damaging the moissanite.
Place the moissanite ring in the soapy water solution. Allow it to soak for a few minutes. This helps loosen any dirt, oils, or debris on the ring.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a specialized jewelry brush to gently scrub the moissanite and the setting. Pay attention to areas where dirt may accumulate, such as behind the stone or around prongs.
After brushing, rinse the ring under running warm water to remove soap residue and any loosened debris. Be sure to rinse all soap from the ring to avoid leaving a film.
Finally, gently pat your moissanite ring dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using tissues or paper towels, as they may cause scratches on the metal or the gemstone.
Conclusion
In the realm of gemstones, moissanite stands as a testament to enduring beauty and brilliance. Its innate hardness, dazzling sparkle, and easy maintenance make it a gemstone that defies the passage of time. Moissanite does not lose its sparkle over time, and it remains as brilliant as when it was first worn. As you embrace the timeless beauty of a moissanite ring, the stone’s enduring brilliance will continue to symbolize your love and commitment for a lifetime.