What Gives Moissanite Its Incredible Sparkle?
Moissanite is gaining popularity as a diamond alternative, but it’s far from just a “diamond substitute.” This unique gemstone has qualities all its own, and one of its standout features is its intense sparkle. The extraordinary brilliance and fire of moissanite make it a showstopper, easily catching the eye and standing up to even the finest diamonds. Let’s dive into what gives moissanite its signature sparkle, so you can appreciate why it’s a top choice for many jewellery lovers.
1. High Refractive Index
One of the key contributors to moissanite’s sparkle is its high refractive index (RI), which measures how much light bends as it passes through a gemstone. Moissanite has an RI of about 2.65 to 2.69, compared to diamond’s RI of 2.42. This means that light enters moissanite, bends more sharply, and creates a more intense sparkle.
The high refractive index is also what makes moissanite appear exceptionally brilliant. When light hits the stone, it bends and reflects multiple times, creating an impressive array of colours and flashes. This quality is what makes moissanite so eye-catching and gives it a sparkle that rivals, and in some cases, exceeds that of diamonds.
2. Exceptional Fire Dispersion
Moissanite is also known for its fire, which refers to the coloured light dispersed through the gemstone. This phenomenon occurs due to moissanite’s high dispersion rate of 0.104, compared to diamond’s 0.044. The higher the dispersion rate, the more vivid the colours that come through as light moves through the stone. This is why, under natural or bright lighting, moissanite can display flashes of rainbow hues that are often even more intense than diamonds.
While diamonds are prized for their white light reflections, moissanite’s sparkle is known for this multi-coloured fire. If you’re drawn to vibrant, colourful sparkles, moissanite’s fire is sure to impress.
3. Perfectly Polished Facets
The precision of moissanite’s faceting also adds to its sparkle. Moissanite is often faceted with meticulous attention to detail, which enhances its ability to reflect light. Each facet acts like a mirror, reflecting and refracting light in a way that maximises brilliance and fire. The angle and polish of these facets are calibrated for maximum impact, resulting in a gemstone that looks as bright and lively as possible from every angle.
Lab-grown moissanite also benefits from controlled production processes, allowing for consistently well-cut stones. This level of precision in faceting helps moissanite achieve its dazzling light performance, making it a standout in any jewellery setting.
4. Strong Lustre and Durability
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available, making it resistant to scratches and damage. This durability means that the gemstone can retain its lustre and clarity over time, even with daily wear. While some gemstones may develop small scratches that affect their sparkle, moissanite’s toughness ensures that it stays sparkling and beautiful for years to come.
Additionally, moissanite’s resistance to clouding is another contributor to its lasting sparkle. Unlike other stones, which may become dull over time, moissanite retains its clarity, ensuring it continues to reflect light beautifully.
5. Light Return for Maximum Brilliance
The way a gemstone is cut determines how light is returned to the viewer’s eye, affecting its brilliance. Moissanite’s specific faceting pattern and cut angles allow it to maximise light return. The high RI, paired with precise cutting, enables moissanite to return a high percentage of light to the viewer’s eye, enhancing its sparkle.
Most moissanite is cut into shapes that optimise light performance, such as the round brilliant cut, which is known for its ability to amplify sparkle in both diamonds and moissanite. This light return creates a constant flicker and glimmer as the gemstone moves, giving moissanite its signature "dance" of light.
Why Choose Moissanite for its Sparkle?
Moissanite’s sparkle is unique – it combines brightness with coloured flashes, which some people prefer over the pure white sparkle of diamonds. With its high refractive index, impressive fire dispersion, and durability, moissanite can provide a stunning, eco-friendly, and affordable option for those who want a gemstone with intense brilliance.
Whether you’re considering moissanite for an engagement ring or just a beautiful piece of jewellery, knowing the science behind its sparkle can deepen your appreciation for this exceptional gem. Its unique light properties and durability make it a brilliant choice, both in terms of beauty and value.