If you are a jewelry lover, you understand the importance of durability when it comes to picking a gemstone of your choice. If your jewelry of choice is for everyday wear, purchasing a high-quality gemstone is imperative. For instance, when going for a wedding ring, you need one that can withstand the test of time.
In this article, we are going to shift our focus to moissanite, one of the most popular stones in the jewelry market.
Durability of Moissanite
To measure the hardness of gemstones, jewelers use the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It is a measure of the resistance any smooth surface has on scratches. The Mohs scale is given in a numerical value of 1 to 10, with 1 being minerals that are easily scratched and 10 being stones that are not easily susceptible to scratches.
A Moissanite stone is one of the most durable gemstones in the market with a ranking of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It comes slightly below a diamond, which ranks at 10. Moissanite is a hard substance that makes it very durable and the go-to gemstone for people who want a diamond stimulant at a slightly lower price.
So, what attests to the durability of Moissanite?
Moissanite is made from Silicon Carbide, a compound that that is primarily used as a steel additive. It is also largely used to form extraordinarily hard ceramic substances, which is used on the manufacture of applications relating to automotive braking and clutching systems as well as in bullet proof vests.
This is a clear indication of how hard and long-lasting moissanite jewelry is. It is also enough proof that moissanite rocks can withstand everyday pressures such as the occasional smashes and falls.
What about heat?
Heat is another cause of concern for jewelry lovers. However, if you recently purchased a shiny piece of moissanite ring, you need not panic in case of a house fire or it falls in the fire as you cook.
Most gemstones do not do well in extremely high temperatures but with moissanite’s melting point set at 2730°C, not even a house fire burning at 1100°C can destroy it. However, the gemstone will only undergo a slight color change, which will revert to its original color once it cools down.
Cracks are rarely an occurrence with Moissanite
One of the most notorious causes of cracks in moissanite is inclusions. Inclusions happen during the formation process in labs. In most cases, they adversely affect the clarity and purity of the gem. In severe cases, they might form cracks on the gem, significantly decreasing its value.
When it comes to lab-grown moissanite, inclusions are very rare. As such, they seldom break or fracture, further improving their durability.
Conclusion
Durability is one of the most sought-after quality in gemstones, and moissanite is definitely one of the most durable gemstones in the market. They do not contain a cleavage plane, thus making them less susceptible to cracks and breakages.
So, the next time you are looking for a tough, cost effective, and durable stone, look no further than moissanite.
