What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan and is extremely rare in nature.
However, Edward Goodrich Acheson’s discovery of a method for producing synthetic moissanite in a laboratory enabled the mass production of this sparkling and elegant gemstone, which is now used to create exquisite jewellery, such as rings, earrings, and other products.
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite is created in a laboratory using two primary methods: the Lely process and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
What is Lely process?
The Lely process is a method for producing large silicon carbide crystals, which are then cut and polished into moissanite gemstones. The process involves heating a mixture of high-purity silicon and carbon in an inert atmosphere, which replicates the natural formation of moissanite. The silicon carbide powder is heated until it vaporizes, and the vapor is then allowed to cool and condense into a crystal. The crystal growth process takes several months, and the resulting crystals are then cut and faceted into different shapes and sizes.
What is the CVD diamond manufacturing process?
CVD diamond manufacturing is a newer method for creating synthetic diamonds by growing them from a hydrocarbon gas mixture in a controlled environment.
FIRST STEP
The process involves placing a diamond seed in a sealed chamber and heating it to around 800 degrees Celsius.
SECOND STEP
The chamber is then filled with a carbon-rich gas (usually methane) and other gases, which are ionized into plasma using microwaves, lasers, or another technique. The plasma splits the molecular bonds in the gases, and the pure carbon adheres to the diamond seed. The carbon slowly builds up into a crystal, one atom and one layer at a time.
THIRD STEP
Once the diamond has grown to a significant size in 6 to 12 weeks, it is cut, polished, and graded by the same world-renowned laboratories that certify diamonds mined from the earth.
Immerse Yourself in the Radiance of Moissanite