mineral

Moissanite

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Hardness: 9.25 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless, green, yellow, or gray, Luster: Adamantine to Metallic, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 3.21-3.22

Hardness: 9

Identified May 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 9.25 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless, green, yellow, or gray, Luster: Adamantine to Metallic, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 3.21-3.22

Formation & geological history

Extremely rare in nature, originally discovered in 1893 within a meteor crater in Arizona. Naturally occurs as inclusions in diamonds or in upper mantle rocks, but most available material is synthetic.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry due to its high refractive index and hardness. Also used in industrial applications such as abrasives, semiconductors, and high-pressure experiments.

Geological facts

Natural moissanite is one of the rarest minerals on Earth; almost all moissanite used in jewelry is lab-grown. It has higher fire (dispersion) and brilliance than a diamond.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high refractive index and double refraction (doubling of facet edges when viewed through the stone). Found naturally in rare kimberlite and lamproite volcanic rocks.