While diamonds form over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure, moissanite’s creation process accelerates elements in the lab to mimic natural conditions. Understanding moissanite’s genesis compared to a diamond’s illuminates why it rivals diamond optically for a fraction of the price.
Diamonds originate approximately 100 miles underground as carbon crystallizes under intense heat surpassing 2,700°F and tremendous pressure over one billion pounds per square inch. Forces compact the carbon into diamond’s signature sturdy cubic structure. Diamonds later reach the surface through deep volcanic eruptions.
In contrast, Moissanite vs Diamond occurs not through immense geologic forces but cosmic collisions. Discovered by Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan in 1893, moissanite forms from meteor impacts fusing silicone carbide crystals. While incredibly rare naturally, moissanite can be reproduced in labs.
Moissanite manufacturing starts with silicon carbide powder. This material is heated to over 3,000°F inside specialized vacuum chambers. Maintaining precise temperatures and controlled environments encourages silicon carbide molecules to bond in hexagonal formations identical to natural moissanite crystals.
Additional heating and cooling phases remove impurities and stresses to further solidify the moissanite structure. The resulting material is then cut and polished using special techniques to maximize moissanite’s dazzling light properties.
While diamonds endure a billion-year forging process, moissanite creation condenses elements of this diamond genesis through human innovation. The result is a laboratory-grown marvel that rivals diamond’s durability, brilliance and beauty at a more attainable cost.
Through science and technology, moissanite manufacturing effectively compresses eons into months to produce diamonds’ most compelling contender. The accelerated engineering process makes moissanite a resplendent and ethical alternative.