How Is Moissanite Made? From Lab to Jewelry

Short answer: Moissanite for jewelry is grown in a lab. Silicon carbide is heated to extremely high temperatures, above 2,000°C, in a controlled chamber, where it slowly forms large crystals over weeks. The rough crystals are then cut and polished into gemstones, just like diamonds.

From Meteor Crater to Lab

Moissanite was first identified in 1893 by chemist Henri Moissan in tiny crystals from a meteor crater in Arizona. Natural moissanite is far too rare and small for jewelry. Gem-quality moissanite only became possible once scientists learned to grow large, clear silicon carbide crystals, and it reached the jewelry market in the late 1990s.

The Growing Process

1. Raw material: high-purity silicon carbide powder is placed in a sealed growth chamber.
2. Heating: the chamber is heated above 2,000°C, so the silicon carbide turns to vapor.
3. Crystal growth: the vapor settles on a cooler seed crystal and builds up, layer by layer, into a large crystal.
4. Time: growth is slow and can take weeks.

Cutting and Polishing

The rough crystal is sliced and shaped into the popular gem shapes: round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear and more. Because moissanite is double refractive, skilled cutters orient each stone so the top view looks crisp rather than doubled. The finished stones are then graded for color and clarity and set into jewelry.

Is Lab-Grown Moissanite "Real"?

Yes. It has the same chemical makeup and crystal structure as natural moissanite. Lab growth is simply the only practical way to get stones large and clear enough for jewelry.

Shop Moissanite at Ivevar

Princess Cut Moissanite Bypass Pave RingShop Now

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is moissanite man-made?

Jewelry moissanite is lab-grown, but it has the same makeup as natural moissanite.

How long does it take to grow moissanite?

Crystal growth is slow and can take weeks before cutting begins.

Who first discovered moissanite?

French chemist Henri Moissan, in 1893.