Does Moissanite Get Cloudy? Detailed Overview
Moissanite is becoming popular for many people to use this great gemstone in engagement rings and other valuable jewellery. However, like other precious purchases, the buyers of moissanite have some queries regarding its durability and looks. A question that is asked often is “Does moissanite get cloudy?”. In this article, you will learn a lot about the properties of Moissanite, the cloudiness issue and many other aspects that will be useful when choosing this beautiful gemstone.
What is Moissanite?
To answer the question “Does moissanite get cloudy?”, it is crucial to first get a brief understanding of what moissanite is and its differences from diamonds. Moissanite is a mineral which is naturally occurring and is made of silicon carbide, discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in the year 1893. Since natural moissanite is rather scarce, nearly all moissanite gemstones employed in jewellery production are grown in laboratories.
Optical properties of Moissanite
It is for this very reason that moissanite is far more brilliant and fiery than any diamond. This is due to its high density and thus it has high light dispersion properties. These qualities help moissanite in the light reflection and dispersion, hence, producing the splendid brilliance of a rainbow.
Addressing the Cloudiness Concern
Now, let's look into the main question: “Does moissanite get cloudy?” The simple answer is no, moissanite does not become cloudy with time. Unlike other diamond variants like cubic zirconia, moissanite does not fade or get cloudy with time and constant wear.
Things That Can Influence the Look of Moissanite
While moissanite itself doesn't get cloudy, certain factors can temporarily impact its appearance such as:
- Dirt and Oil Buildup: Like any other gemstone out there, moissanite is also prone to getting dirty, oily or accumulating other substances that are picked up during its day-to-day use. This buildup can lead to a film forming on the surface of the stone and it will have a somewhat haze or dull look to it.
- Hard Water Deposits: Thus, in the regions where the water is hard the mineral deposits may appear on the surface of the stone in the form of a white film.
- Soap Residue: Soaps and lotions that are used regularly can cause a build-up on the moissanite which in turn can damage its sparkle.
- Scratches: Even though moissanite is very hard and ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale it is possible to get some surface scratches and they may affect the look of the stone.
Maintaining Your Moissanite's Brilliance
To keep your moissanite looking its best and prevent any temporary cloudiness, follow these simple care tips:
- Regular Cleaning: It is advised to clean the moissanite jewellery by using warm water, soap, and a soft brush. This will help in the elimination of any deposits that may have accumulated and may alter its look.
- Professional Cleaning: It is recommended to take your moissanite pieces to a professional cleaner and inspection from time to time to maintain their quality.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: It is advisable to take off your moissanite jewellery when you are cleaning or handling substances that might in any way harm the setting or stick on the stone.
- Proper Storage: To maintain the condition of your moissanite jewellery, it is best to store it in a different area from your other jewellery collections and make sure it comes with a cover when you are not wearing it.
Scientific Basis of Moissanite’s Durability
During the discussion about the question: “Does moissanite get cloudy?”, finding the reasons why Moissanite does not easily develop clouds and wear, one has to look at the molecular structure of the gemstone. Because the bonding between the silicon and carbon atoms is very strong, moissanite is extremely hard and is not easily affected by chemical or mechanical actions. This stability makes sure that the gemstone does not change its optical properties and does not degrade or get cloudy with time.
Moissanite Selection Tips for Your Jewelry
When selecting moissanite for your jewellery, consider the following factors to ensure you get a high-quality stone that will maintain its brilliance:
- Color Grade: Higher colour grade options should be chosen if the person wants a colourless or nearly colourless diamond that sparkles a lot.
- Cut Quality: When selecting the moissanite make sure that it is well cut to ensure that it offers the best light performance and does not appear cloudy.
- Certification: To avoid buying fake moissanite or low quality, one should only buy from recognized dealers who provide certification of the stone.
For those who want high-quality and fine moissanite jewellery, Panpanxi provides a wide range of jewellery items to moissanite lovers. Our group of professional gemologists will assist in identifying and choosing the right moissanite gemstone for your case and provide you advice on how to take care of your moissanite jewellery to make it remain sparkling for the next number of years.