Moissanite History

Moissanite Gems: A Rocky Discovery

Moissanite was discovered over 120 years ago by Nobel Prize-winning French chemist, Dr. Henri Moissan. He was looking for crystalline chemical compositions ideal for efficient electrical conductivity. During the search, Dr. Moissan discovered silicon carbide—a remarkable and extremely rare mineral—in a meteorite crater in Arizona. It was then named “moissanite” in his honor.

Dr. Moissan spent the remainder of his life trying to recreate his extraordinary finding but never succeeded.

In the late 1990s, researchers from the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina developed and patented a process for creating pure silicon carbide (SiC). This was used in the development of diverse products that included semiconductors, LED lighting and extremely hard drilling tools and abrasives.

The Future of Moissanite Jewelry

It was then that the vision and innovation of Charles & Colvard—the original creator of moissanite—came to fruition. The process of producing moissanite is lengthy, taking two to three months to create a single gem. Whether you love the classic round shape or want something more unique like the emerald shape, the brilliance of this gemstone is worth experiencing in person.
So, if you plan on purchasing a moissanite engagement ring or other jewelry, plan accordingly to ensure the piece is ready in time. You can browse or purchase your next moissanite piece at your closet AGS member jewelry store.