Grey Moissanite

Grey Moissanite

Grey moissanite gemstones are a mix of white and black and a unique crystal among silicon carbide variants. The crystal possesses several features that make it a perfect fit for jewelry and many other purposes.

Grey moissanite crystals have a high Mohs’ rating of 9.3, making it one of the hardest known gemstones on earth. These crystals also possess a significantly high melting point over a thousand degrees.

Grey crystals are preferred by buyers keen to possess beautiful and inexpensive gemstones with a high refractive index. There’s a lot more you need to know about grey moissanite crystals if you want the gemstone on your jewelry.

In this article, we’ll get to see vital details about grey moissanite crystals, their uses, how to maintain them, and other useful tips.

History of Grey Moissanite

Edward Acheson is the first chemist ever to synthesize grey moissanite with a mix of silicon and carbon. His successful 1891 experiment will not receive much expansion until several decades later.
Scientific advancements in the twentieth century made it easy for chemists to mass-produce moissanite crystals with different isotropic structures and colors. Grey moissanite is one of more than half-a-dozen crystals that enjoy wide acceptance in the jewelry industry.

Many jewelers added colored synthetic jewelry to their low-cost collections in the 80s and 90s, and moissanite has become a popular option for buyers since that time.

How to Make Grey Moissanite

Direct mixing is the preferred method chemists use to create grey moissanite crystals. The method includes these steps:

• Adding carbon, dopant element, and silicon to a crucible,
• Heating the minerals to around 2000°C,
• Allowing realignment of mineral atoms to crystallize the mix,
• Cooling, cutting, and shaping crystals for different uses

Uses of Grey Moissanite

Grey moissanite is useful as:

• Gemstones
• In glasswork
• Making substrate for special conductor films, etc.

Grey moissanite has fewer uses than its plain variant. Clear moissanite crystals are useful in lenses, filters, laser elements, cutting tools, and more.

Chemical Properties of Grey Moissanite

• Hardness (Mohs’ Scale): 9.3
• Density: 3.21 g/cm3
• Refractive Index: 2.654 – 2.967
• Dispersion: Low (0.104)
• Heat Resistance: 1550°C – 3000°C (decomposes at 2730°C)
• Fracture: Conchoidal
• Specific Gravity: 3.218 – 3.22 g/cm3

Maintenance Tips for Grey Moissanite

You must maintain your colored or white moissanite crystals to preserve their outer appearance and glitter. Some of the most effective methods to maintain your moissanite crystals include:

Using a jewelry cleaner

• Spray jewelry cleaner directly on the crystal or use a dry cloth or tissue paper to apply it,
• Rub it on areas with dirt and grime until the gem sparkles,
• Wipe off any excess cleaner with a dry cloth and allow to dry before storage

Using a polishing cloth

• Take a polishing cloth and wipe the dirt and grime from your gem’s surface

Using baking soda and vinegar

• Add some baking soda into a small bowl
• Pour some white vinegar into the bowl and mix properly
• Place the moissanite crystal in this mix for 10 minutes
• Clean the gemstone with a dry cloth and store in a dust-free box

Proper storage

• Store your gemstones in a cushioned case
• The case must prevent humidity and keep your gemstones from dirt and grime

It’s better to consult your jeweler if you don’t know the best method to maintain your grey moissanite crystals.

Order your Grey Moissanite now at GEMS N GEMS as we have very limited stock for it!