Moissanite is a fabulous and accessible alternative to diamonds, but the gemstone is also special in its own way. Discover the rainbow flashes of light reflected by moissanite, and how to keep it sparkling.
If you wear a moissanite, you already know its secret. This trending gemstone isn’t just a diamond alternative (though it’s undeniably a sparkly diamond stand-in). It’s a completely unique gemstone with intriguing history, symbolism, and a light show all its own.
Because moissanite throws off brilliant rainbow flashes and repels oil differently than other stones, wear can dull the prismatic fire that makes it so sparkly. When that happens, a cleansing routine can make moissanite brilliant again. Ahead, find our tips. But, first, here are some things to know about this dazzling stone, and why it’s this gem helps capture some of the whimsy we’re seeing in fashion right now.
Discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater in Arizona, natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare. Moissan, a gemologist who studied rock samples for their electrical conductivity, mistook his find for diamonds. Upon examination back at the lab, he discovered that in fact it was silicon carbide. The gemstone was named in his honor, and today, most moissanite worn today has been created in a lab. It’s only been found in nature a handful of times, in the Green River Formation in Wyoming and in Yakutia, Russia.
Connoisseurs Gem School
Lesson 1: Understanding Moissanite’s Sparkle
The Rainbow Disco Effect
Fire is measured by dispersion how much a stone splits light into spectral colors. Moissanite has a dispersion rate of 0.104, compared to diamond’s 0.044. This means that it bends light into fiery, colorful rainbows even more so than diamonds.
Unbeatable Toughness On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite hits 9.25 (second only to diamond at 10). Moissanite’s score means that it is tough, scratch-resistant, and built for daily wear without chipping easily.
Lesson 2: Moissanite Symbolism
Because moissanite was discovered by a gemologist, it’s believed to have metaphysical properties bridging the spiritual and physical. It symbolizes a cosmic connection. Energy healers associate moissanite with the Crown and Third Eye chakras, boosting intuition and psychic awareness. Its intense sparkle denotes the wearer’s authenticity and is a sign that she or he values inner truth above external validation.
Lesson 3: Moissanite Jewelry
It wasn’t until the late 1900s that moissanite began to be used in jewelry. Jewelry house Charles & Colvard spearheaded the process of cutting, polishing, and grading moissanite jewelry. It can take several months to create one gemstone.
Moissanite Engagement Ring Trends
An affordable luxury, moissanite engagement rings are also a deliberate design choice. They appeal to those looking for exceptional fire and a durable stone. Oval, radiant, and emerald-cut moissanite stones maximize finger coverage while showcasing the gem's signature high-refraction sparkle. Pair with an ultra-slim yellow gold band for a warm contrast between stone and setting.
Moissanite Watch Trends
The moissanite watch category has shifted from a niche alternative to a major trend within luxury, streetwear, and hip-hop style. Driven by moissanite's higher refractive index, a moissanite watch is often the choice for high impact visuals on camera. Dials are moving away from basic black or white to vibrant hues decorated with bling.
Moissanite In Silver Jewelry
For a luxury look everyday, moissanite set in silver is trending with Gen Z shoppers. Look for thick platinum or rhodium finishes to prevent tarnishing, mimic white gold, and make the jewelry set in a hypoallergenic environment. Solitaire pendant necklaces, bezel-set stud earrings, and thin tennis bracelets set in silver are top performers for daily, effortless stacking. Restore bold vintage pieces like Art Deco filigree, halo drops, and cocktail rings for a bold look.
How to Clean Moissanite
The Diamond Dazzle Stik works wonders on moissanite. It uses a gel formula containing micro-cleansers and polishing agents that cut straight through hand cream and oils.
PRO TIP: Occasionally, moissanite develops an iridescent film on the surface of the stone called an oil slick. This isn't damage or discoloration inside the gem; it's a stubborn layer of organic buildup or hard-water mineral deposits stuck to the surface.
For a deep clean: Clean moissanite weekly with the La Sonic Diamond Dazzler. Because moissanite is so fiery, a quick sonic dip once a week will keep it looking like the day you unboxed it.
For moissanite set in silver jewelry, use the Dazzle Drops Silver Jewelry Cleaning Creme to remove any trace of tarnish from moissanite jewelry set in silver.