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Trade-In Your Old Gold and Diamonds!
Moissanite
THE NEW JEWEL!
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Photo for Map
Federal Way
Custom Jewelers
1810 S. 320th Street
Suite B
Federal Way, WA.
98003
(253) 839-7389
(Toll Free from
Seattle)
(253) 952-5795
(Toll Free from
Tacoma)
(253) 839-2322
(Fax Number)
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Moissanite
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| A
century ago, Nobel prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan
discovered minute quantities of a new material in an
ancient meteorite crater in the remote Diablo Canyon area
of Arizona. This new substance, composed of silicon carbide,
was given the mineral name Moissanite in honor
of Dr. Moissan's discovery. |
At its essence was the potential for a jewel of
absolutely shimmering brilliance, fire and luster as well as
incredible hardness. In fact, these properties rivaled and
exceeded those of other gemstones. However, because of the rarity
of naturally occurring Moissanite, which is found only in
meteorites and in limited amounts under the earth's surface, its
potentials as a superior jewel and its use in jewelry was
impossible to be realized, until now.
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| In the
1980's, methods to grow single-crystalline silicon carbide
(Moissanite) for use in the fabrication of high
performance semi-conductors and microprocessors were being
developed, because Moissanite quickly dissipates
microprocessor generated heat, allowing greater computing
speed. |
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| An
unexpected benefit of this research, conducted at North
Carolina State University, was the realization that these
durable and beautiful crystals were ideal for use as
gemstones in jewelry. Thus began the birth of today's
Charles and Colvard created Moissanite. |
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Is Moissanite a Synthetic
Diamond?
No, it is not.
Moissanite is a jewel created by a special process, which takes
advantage of its properties of superior fire, brilliance and
scratch resistance, found only in the finest jewels.
What is Moissanite?
Charles and Colvard
created Moissanite is silicon carbide formed as a single crystal.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral found in extremely
limited quantities in the earth. Discovered in 1893 by Dr. Henri
Moissan, the jewel was later named in his honor. The natural
quantities of moissanite are far less than would be needed for the
manufacture of jewelry. Therefore, through a combination of
science and art, Charles and Colvard has developed the jewel we
use today.
Is Charles and Colvard
created Moissanite available in different colors?
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| Yes, beyond
the near colorless jewels, it is also available in vibrant
greens and yellows, although in limited quantities. |
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Comparison Chart
| Gemstone |
Mohs
Hardiness |
Brilliance |
Fire |
Specific
Gravity |
Toughness |
| Diamond |
10 |
2.42 |
0.044 |
3.52 |
Good-
Excellent |
| Moissanite |
9.25 |
2.65 |
0.104 |
3.21 |
Excellent |
| Ruby
& Sapphire |
9 |
1.77 |
0.018 |
4.00 |
Excellent |
| Cubic
Zirconia |
8.5 |
2.15 |
0.060 |
5.80 |
Good |
| Emerald |
7.5 |
1.58 |
0.014 |
2.72 |
Good-
Poor |
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