# Moissanite

> Moissanite is silicon carbide (9.25 on Mohs), almost always lab-grown, with more fire than diamond and much cheaper.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/moissanite/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-31
- Updated: 2026-08-31
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/moissanita/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Moissanite is a gem made of silicon carbide. It was discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater, but the moissanite used in jewelry is almost always created in a lab.

## Properties

- **Composition:** silicon carbide (SiC)
- **Hardness:** 9.25 on the Mohs scale, below diamond.
- **Brilliance:** it has more “fire” (flashes of color) than diamond.
- **Origin:** almost all jewelry moissanite is synthetic.
- **Density:** lighter than diamond, so a moissanite weighs less at the same size.

## Uses in jewelry

- Engagement rings and wedding bands as an alternative to diamond.
- Earrings and pendants.
- Designer jewelry.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Very durable.
- Intense sparkle and a price far below diamond.
- Known origin.

### Limitations

- Its sparkle differs from diamond: some find it “too colorful”.
- Some models have a yellowish or greenish tint.
- Lower resale value.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a brush.
- Avoid hard knocks.
- It handles ultrasonic cleaning well.

## See also

- [Lab-grown or natural diamond: differences, price and which to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/lab-grown-vs-natural-diamonds/)
- [Diamond](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond/)
- [Cubic zirconia](https://www.711grados.com/en/cubic-zirconia/)