Moissanite is one of the most brilliant gemstones on Earth — but have you ever wondered how it's made? Unlike diamonds that form deep underground over millions of years, moissanite is lab-created through a precise scientific process that produces stones of extraordinary quality and consistency.
The Discovery of Moissanite
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteorite crater in Arizona. He initially thought he had found diamonds, but later determined the crystals were silicon carbide (SiC) — a compound so rare in nature that virtually all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created.
The Science: What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is composed of silicon and carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure. This unique composition gives moissanite its exceptional properties:
- Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are 10)
- Refractive index: 2.65–2.69 — higher than diamond (2.42), producing more sparkle
- Thermal conductivity: Similar to diamond, making it difficult to distinguish by standard testers
- Fire (dispersion): 0.104 — more than double that of diamond (0.044)
How Lab-Created Moissanite Is Made
Step 1: Growing the Crystal
Modern moissanite production begins with a process called Physical Vapor Transport (PVT). In this method, a small seed crystal of silicon carbide is placed inside a sealed chamber. Silicon carbide powder is then heated to temperatures exceeding 2,000°C (3,632°F), causing it to vaporize. The vapor slowly travels through the chamber and deposits onto the seed crystal, growing it layer by layer over a period of weeks to months.
The result is a large silicon carbide boule — a cylinder of pure crystalline moissanite that can be cut into many individual stones.
Step 2: Cutting the Boule
Once grown, the boule is sliced into thin wafers using precision diamond-tipped saws. Each wafer is then cut into individual rough stones of different shapes and sizes, depending on the final gem design.
Step 3: Faceting and Polishing
The rough stones are then sent to highly skilled gem cutters who apply facets — the flat, angled surfaces that reflect and refract light. The most popular cut for moissanite is the round brilliant cut, with 58 or more facets optimized to maximize the stone's exceptional fire and brilliance. Other popular cuts include cushion, oval, princess, pear, and emerald.
After faceting, each stone is polished to a mirror finish, revealing its full optical potential.
Step 4: Grading and Quality Control
Every finished moissanite stone is graded for:
- Color: D-F (colorless), G-H (near-colorless), I-J (faint color)
- Clarity: Inclusions and blemishes are assessed under magnification
- Cut: Proportion, symmetry, and polish quality
- Carat weight: Measured precisely
At Montier, we exclusively use D color VVS1 clarity moissanite — the top grade, completely colorless and eye-clean.
Why Lab-Created Is Better
Because moissanite is grown in a controlled laboratory environment, every stone meets rigorous quality standards. There are no mining operations, no environmental destruction, and no ethical sourcing concerns. Lab-created moissanite is:
- Conflict-free — no mining, no human rights concerns
- Environmentally responsible — no land disruption or toxic runoff
- Consistently graded — every stone meets the same high standard
- Affordable — a fraction of the cost of diamond with superior brilliance
Moissanite vs Diamond: The Numbers
People often ask how moissanite compares to diamond — or cubic zirconia. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Property | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.65–2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire (Dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Origin | Lab-created | Mined or lab-created |
| Price (1ct equivalent) | $300–$600 | $4,000–$15,000 |
Moissanite's higher refractive index and dispersion mean it actually produces more sparkle and fire than a diamond — visible especially in sunlight.
Moissanite in Montier Jewelry
Every Montier piece features D color VVS1 moissanite set in 14K Gold PVD plating over 925 Sterling Silver. This combination delivers the brilliance of fine jewelry at a fraction of the cost — without compromising on quality, durability, or appearance.
Whether you're shopping for a moissanite chain, a tennis chain, a tennis bracelet, moissanite earrings, or stackable rings, you're getting lab-created moissanite that was grown, cut, and polished to the highest standards.
The Bottom Line
Moissanite is not a "fake diamond" — it's a unique gemstone with its own exceptional properties, grown through a precise scientific process that delivers consistent, conflict-free brilliance. Understanding how it's made makes it even more impressive: weeks of crystal growth, precision cutting, and expert faceting to produce a stone that outshines diamond in fire and brilliance at a fraction of the price. New to moissanite? Our complete beginner's buying guide covers everything from grading to styling.
Ready to see what lab-created moissanite looks like in real life? Browse the full Montier collection and find your perfect piece. Looking for the right ring? Our complete moissanite rings guide covers every style, cut, and setting.