Moissanite

Moissanite, an extremely rare natural occurring mineral scientifically known as Silicon carbide is a compound made of ceramic components of silicon and carbon that is feigned on a bulk scale for utilizing essentially as an abrasive.

The discovery of Moissanite was found in the remains of the meteorite at Diablo Canyon or Meteor Crater located in Arizona. The name was given in honor of its discoverer who was a Nobel Prize winner known as Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan.

The Chemical name of the stone is Silicon Carbide with a chemical formula as SiC. The stone belongs to the Class of Native Elements and its Subclass is Non-metals of Carbon Group.

A gemstone is always known for its specific physical characteristics that are usually unique in nature. The major physical characteristics of Moissanite includes The Color is blackish-green in appearance with an adamantine luster.

The Crystal structure comprises of hexagonal, trigonal and isometric lattice that transparent or semi-transparent in nature. The hardness of the stone is 9.25 with a Specific Gravity that ranges between 3.1 - 3.2. The Index of refraction of the stone is 2.6 - 2.7 that has a melting point of 2730degree and is completely insoluble in water.

The pure form of the stone can be used as intrinsic semiconductor. The inflexibility and stiffness of the stone make it an enviable mirror material that is excellent for astronomical work. The stone can be used in making of Grit, Disc brake, Clutch, Diesel particulate filter, thin filament pyrometer, Ceramic film, Cutting apparatus, heating elements, Nuclear Fuel and Steel. The Moissanite being a hard ceramic component is used in making composite armour and ceramic plates of bulletproof vests. It was serves as a Catalyst Support in chemical reactions as for the oxidation of C4 hydrocarbons, such as n-butane, to maleic anhydride

The discovery of the stone Moissanite revealed several segments. The initial mineral discovered was officially named as moissanite-6H. The 6H depicts the hexagonal proportion of moissanite. There are two other segments of the stone comprises of moissanite-5H and the isometric phase beta-moissanite.

Moissanite beside from being a gemstone that is used as a jewel it also servers several purposes the prominent ones include

The pure form of the stone can be used as intrinsic semiconductor. The inflexibility and stiffness of the stone make it an enviable mirror material that is excellent for astronomical work. The stone can be used in making of Grit, Disc brake, Clutch, Diesel particulate filter, thin filament pyrometer, Ceramic film, Cutting apparatus, heating elements, Nuclear Fuel and Steel. The Moissanite being a hard ceramic component is used in making composite armour and ceramic plates of bulletproof vests. It was serves as a Catalyst Support in chemical reactions as for the oxidation of C4 hydrocarbons, such as n-butane, to maleic anhydride