The facts
What synthetic Moissanite actually is
The species behind synthetic Moissanite is synthetic silicon carbide, SiC; it forms in the hexagonal (6H and 4H polytypes) system.
Near-colourless in current production; earlier material had a green or grey cast from nitrogen doping is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 2.648–2.691 and a specific gravity of about 3.21–3.22, with none; conchoidal fracture cleavage.
Where synthetic Moissanite comes from
Commercial material comes from Grown by the Lely and physical-vapour-transport methods, chiefly in the USA and China.
That is the whole list. A single source makes supply fragile and makes any claim of a second origin worth questioning.
How synthetic Moissanite is treated
A manufactured material that must be disclosed. Natural moissanite exists but only as microscopic grains in meteorites and kimberlite — any cut moissanite is synthetic. Its strong doubling and high thermal conductivity fool older diamond testers, which is why moissanite-specific testers exist.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What synthetic Moissanite is confused with
Watch for Diamond, Cubic zirconia and White sapphire — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.648–2.691 and specific gravity 3.21–3.22 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What synthetic Moissanite is used for
The trades that buy synthetic Moissanite are jewellery, technical and precision components and abrasives. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the piece or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Synthetic Moissanite is 9.25 on the Mohs scale, with none; conchoidal fracture cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What synthetic Moissanite costs
Expect roughly 50–500 USD/ct as jewellery goods, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is synthetic Moissanite treated, and how?
A manufactured material that must be disclosed. Natural moissanite exists but only as microscopic grains in meteorites and kimberlite — any cut moissanite is synthetic. Its strong doubling and high thermal conductivity fool older diamond testers, which is why moissanite-specific testers exist.
Where does synthetic Moissanite come from?
Grown by the Lely and physical-vapour-transport methods, chiefly in the USA and China. That is the only commercial source.
Is synthetic Moissanite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does synthetic Moissanite cost?
Indicatively 50–500 USD/ct as jewellery goods. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is synthetic Moissanite confused with?
Most often Diamond, Cubic zirconia and White sapphire. A refractive index of 2.648–2.691 and a specific gravity near 3.21–3.22 separate it quickly.
What is synthetic Moissanite used for besides jewellery?
technical and precision components and abrasives. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for synthetic moissanite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about synthetic moissanite