12/09/2025
Mineral Monday: This week’s mineral is Moissanite!
The second-hardest mineral after diamond, and so rare that it's mainly found in space, Moissanite is a mineral made up of silicon carbide. Found primarily in meteorites and regions of the Earth’s upper mantle, this mineral was first discovered at Canyon Diablo meteorite crater in Northern Arizona by French scientist Henri Moissan. Appearing like small shards of glistening glass, Mossanite varies from clear in color to a blue/green hue and shows a high-level, metallic luster. Raw Moissanite can only be found in small amounts and a specimen large enough to cut into a gemstone has never been found. Due to this all large or gemstone quality Moissanite is lab grown. There are three main ways by which Moissanite is manufactured and grown for jewelry, the Verneuil Process, Czochralski Process and Chemical V***r Deposition (CVD).
“Verneuil Process: A high-temperature oxyhydrogen flame is used to melt a mixture of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and carbon. Tiny droplets of molten material fall onto a seed crystal, gradually building up and solidifying into a moissanite boule.”
“Czochralski Process: A crucible containing molten silicon carbide is heated, and a seed crystal is dipped into the melt. As the crystal is slowly pulled upwards and rotated, the molten SiC solidifies onto it, growing a single-crystal moissanite boule.”
“Chemical V***r Deposition (CVD) Precursor materials like silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄) and methane (CH₄) are vaporized and introduced into a vacuum chamber. Under carefully controlled temperature, pressure, and gas composition, the vapors react and deposit onto a substrate, forming a layer-by-layer moissanite film.”
Spiritually, Moissanite is seen as a stone of connection, linking one's physical self to their spiritual self. A stone formed in the cosmos, it is said to help one achieve their goals and reach their higher self. Filling a person with purpose and opening their heart to the possibilities of the world around them, Moissanite is ideal for setting intentions and alignment with the vibration of the universe.
Reference: https://www.mindat.org/min-2743.html
https://www.geologyin.com/2017/02/moissanite-second-hardest-mineral-in.html
https://enchanting-earth.com/
