How to Determine if Your Moissanite is Genuine

Determining the authenticity of Moissanite can be both fascinating and practical. Here's a brief explanation and the scientific principles behind the methods used to identify genuine Moissanite:

1. Identifying by Hardness:

   • Using a pencil on Moissanite: This method is based on a hardness test. Moissanite's hardness is very close to that of diamonds, ranging between 9.25 and 9.5 (with diamonds at 10), much higher than the hardness of graphite used in pencil leads. Therefore, a pencil should not leave scratch marks on genuine Moissanite. If scratch marks are visible, it's likely not real Moissanite.

2. Viewing Fingerprints Through the Stone:

   • Due to its excellent refractive index and brilliance, details viewed through Moissanite become blurred, making it difficult to see fingerprints through the stone. If fingerprints are clearly visible, it might be due to the poor translucency of a fake stone.

3. Oil Affinity:

   • Moissanite has a certain affinity for oil, a characteristic stemming from its unique surface structure and chemical properties. On genuine Moissanite, a drop of oil tends to spread out, whereas on cubic zirconia (a common imitation), oil drops may gather. This test is based on the different absorption and dispersion behaviors of materials towards oil.

4. Observing Double Refraction:

   • Moissanite exhibits double refraction, meaning objects viewed through the stone appear as double images. This happens because light entering Moissanite is split into two beams that travel along different paths. This is an important feature for distinguishing Moissanite from other gemstones, like diamonds, which exhibit single refraction.

5. Fire Test:

   • Genuine Moissanite can adapt to temperature changes and revert to its original color after being subjected to high temperatures. This is because Moissanite's chemical structure is not easily damaged by heat and can reorganize itself upon cooling. Fake Moissanite may not withstand such temperature changes, leading to permanent damage or color alteration.

While some of these methods are scientifically reliable based on physical and chemical principles, like hardness tests and observing double refraction, others, such as the fire test and oil affinity test, may be influenced by various factors and should be approached with caution. For accurate identification, it's best to use a combination of these methods.