French chemist Henri Moissan first discovered moissanite in 1893. Searching for a crystal for industrial use, he ended up in Diablo Canyon, Arizona, USA. Moissan found small stones he thought were diamonds in the towns meteorite crater.
Meanwhile, chemist Edward Acheson was attempting to create synthetic diamonds. During an attempt in 1890, he accidentally made silicon carbide, calling it “carborundum.”
In 1904, Moissan realized that his samples were natural silicon carbide. Tiffany gemologist George Kunz named the stone “moissanite” in honor of Moissan in 1905.
Characteristics Chemical formula: Silicon carbide, Hardness: 9.25 - 9.50 Mohs
We supply moissanite in all cuts, sizes and colors. All our moissanites can be certified.
