How to identify Moissanite (synthetic)

To correctly identify Moissanite (synthetic) (Moissanite (synthetic)), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Color

   Overall color and any zoning or banding

   Typically colorless to near-colorless, though some may exhibit slight green, yellow, or gray tints. Industrial SiC can be black, green, or blue.

2. 2

   Luster

   How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull

   Adamantine to sub-metallic, often exhibiting a strong vitreous sheen.

3. 3

   Texture

   Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy

   Smooth to slightly granular on crystal faces; industrial forms can be rough or crystalline.

4. 4

   Crystal Form

   Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces

   Hexagonal (often tabular or prismatic crystals), though synthetic gem-quality material is typically cut into faceted shapes. Industrial SiC can be found as microcrystalline aggregates or powders.

5. 5

   Cleavage

   How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture

   Poor to indistinct on {0001} planes.

6. 6

   Geological Environment

   The rock formation and setting where it occurs

   Not found in natural geological environments in significant quantities for commercial use. Synthetic production occurs in industrial laboratories and factories under controlled high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.

Key Facts

Hardness

9.25 on Mohs scale (second hardest known mineral after diamond)

Specific Gravity

3.218 - 3.22 g/cm

Crystal System

Hexagonal (specifically, trigonal or hexagonal polytypes)

Color

Colorless, near-colorless, light green, yellow, gray, black, blue

Luster

Adamantine to sub-metallic

Transparency

Transparent to opaque

Fracture

Conchoidal to uneven

Cleavage

Poor to indistinct on {0001}

Composition

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Physical characteristics

• Crystal Habit: Hexagonal tabular, prismatic, or massive aggregates (industrial). Gem-quality is typically faceted.
• Cleavage Type: Poor/Indistinct
• Fracture Type: Conchoidal to uneven
• Tenacity: Brittle
• Luster Type: Adamantine to sub-metallic

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