Moissanite (Silicon Carbide)

While classified as a diamond simulant, the moissanite jewel also occurs naturally, and is in fact much more rare than a diamond. First discovered within a meteor crater in 1893, it was mistaken for a diamond. Today they are created much like a cultured synthetic diamond. Having a higher refractive index than diamond, moissanite is the most brilliant of colorless jewels. Optically, moissanite has more light return (brilliance and luster) and 150% more white light refraction (known as fire) than diamonds. The carat size for a moissanite is a bit larger due to its density and optical properties. Clarity and color is comparable to a high quality diamond with VS clairty and I, J, or K in color. It is also much harder than all gems (natural and synthetic) second only to a diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness). The only manufacturer of moissanite is Charles and Colvard, but you can find them at many jewelers.