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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Artificial products / Manufactured products · Artificial product type · Synthetic product
Synthetic Moissanite
Synthetically made silicon carbide, the counterpart of the mineral moissanite; GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A Table A.4 lists it as "synthetic moissanite", and it must not be called diamond. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Synthetic Moissanite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify Synthetic MoissaniteHow far lab testing can go
- Caring for and wearing Synthetic MoissaniteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them
- Hardness, density and refractive index of Synthetic MoissaniteEach value with its source and check date
- Synthetic Moissanite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Has any of GIA, FTC, CIBJO or Gem-A put a name for it on record here?
- Listing and disclosing Synthetic MoissaniteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define Synthetic MoissaniteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Synthetic moissanite is a laboratory-produced silicon carbide (SiC) crystal that matches natural moissanite in structure and chemical makeup while differing entirely in origin — one is manufactured, the other occurs in nature. Colourless synthetic moissanite has been a popular diamond imitation since the late 1990s and is widely used in rings for its brilliance, strong fire and durability. Natural moissanite, though it does exist, is exceedingly scarce and no gem-quality material has ever been recovered. It is not something nature produces.
Scope: Applies to explaining synthetic moissanite as an artificial synthetic product, its correspondence to natural moissanite, and coating treatment; does not apply to any description of natural ore-forming genesis.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · G&G Winter 2017
Where it forms
Manufacturing environment: silicon carbide crystals synthesized by man-made methods in a laboratory or factory; no natural occurrence environment applies to this record.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · G&G Winter 2017 +1
- An Introduction to Simulants or Imitation Gem Materials (GIA Gem Encyclopedia)
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022)
- Synthetic Moissanite Imitating Rough Diamond (Gems & Gemology, Winter 2017, Vol. 53, No. 4 — Lab Notes)
- Coated Pink Synthetic Moissanite (Gems & Gemology, Winter 2018, Vol. 54, No. 4 — Gem News International)
The natural material it corresponds to (moissanite) is regarded as extremely rare in occurrence, but this record describes the manufactured product, not a natural occurrence.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · G&G Winter 2017 +1
- An Introduction to Simulants or Imitation Gem Materials (GIA Gem Encyclopedia)
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022)
- Synthetic Moissanite Imitating Rough Diamond (Gems & Gemology, Winter 2017, Vol. 53, No. 4 — Lab Notes)
- Coated Pink Synthetic Moissanite (Gems & Gemology, Winter 2018, Vol. 54, No. 4 — Gem News International)
How it forms, step by step
Formulate and synthesize silicon carbide (SiC) crystals by man-made methods.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · G&G Winter 2018
Grow colorless to near-colorless crystals suitable for gem use.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · G&G Winter 2018
Cut and polish the crystals into finished diamond-simulant gems.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · G&G Winter 2018
(Optional treatment) apply a colored film to the surface of some specimens to change color.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · G&G Winter 2018
Link to appearance
Synthetic moissanite's fire and brilliance come from its optical properties (more than twice the fire of diamond and slightly more brilliance), and its double refraction produces visible doubling of facet edges under magnification.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems
Timescale
The source dates the rise of colourless synthetic moissanite as a diamond imitation to the late 1990s — a market-introduction era rather than any geological timescale.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · G&G Winter 2017 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems
Supporting findings
From the late 1990s, colourless synthetic moissanite gained popularity as a diamond imitation and, thanks to its brilliance, strong fire and durability, became a favoured stone for engagement rings.
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to the synthetic material's manufactured nature and market role; not to natural origin.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems
Other research findings
CIBJO classifies a synthetic stone as a manufactured product whose chemical makeup, physical properties and structure match those of the natural material it stands for; natural moissanite is what synthetic moissanite corresponds to.
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to the synthetic-to-natural correspondence and naming rule; not to a specific specimen.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Natural moissanite does occur, yet it is exceedingly scarce and no gem-quality material has ever been recovered; it is typically encountered as tiny broken fragments (the largest recorded crystal being roughly 4.1 mm across), with the result that virtually every gem-quality moissanite sold is laboratory-made.
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to distinguishing synthetic from natural moissanite by origin and availability; not to any single specimen.
Synthetic moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, making it very hard and durable (though not as hard as diamond), and it has more than twice the fire of diamond and slightly more brilliance.
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to the material's hardness and optical properties; makes no specimen-quality conclusion.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems
Coating: a thin coloured film may be applied to synthetic moissanite to change its colour — one pink-coated example owed its hue to a calcium-rich film coloured by iron and titanium. Because such coating can be applied to any gem, whether natural or synthetic, gemmologists need to stay alert to it.
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to the coating method and mechanism; not to its durability or value.
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The cited sources do not give the specific growth equipment or process parameters used to synthesize moissanite.
- The effect of the coating treatment on durability, reversibility, or care requirements is not quantified in these sources.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Synthetic Moissanite (synthetic silicon carbide)
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.4 “Synthetic Moissanite” · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 4.3.3.1
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Synthetic Moissanite" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Not a mineral: man-made or non-mineral material.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.4, row 合成碳硅石 (Synthetic Moissanite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Synthetic Moissanite (synthetic silicon carbide)" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Not a mineral: man-made or non-mineral material.
- Suggested listing name
- Synthetic Moissanite (synthetic silicon carbide)
Care and wear
Care
Synthetic Moissanite — care (cleaning): the GIA 4Cs blog entry on synthetic moissanite marks ultrasonic cleaning as safe; the same synthetic moissanite entry marks steam cleaning as safe.
GIA 4Cs blog (2016)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-10-06
- Source
- GIA 4Cs blog, “What Are Simulated Diamonds?” (2016-12-20): Section: main text (locator checked 2026-10-06)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-10-06
Synthetic Moissanite — care (heat): a 1997 Gems & Gemology paper cites reports that synthetic moissanite stays stable in air up to 1700°C; on that basis the authors expected that re-soldering a broken prong with the stone still set, as jewellers do for diamond, should cause no trouble.
Gems & Gemology 1997 (Nassau et al.)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-10-06
- Source
- K. Nassau, S.F. McClure, S. Elen & J.E. Shigley, “Synthetic Moissanite: A New Diamond Substitute”, Gems & Gemology 33(4): 260–275 (1997) (archived excerpt: pp. 31–33 of the issue file): p.272, body text (locator checked 2026-10-06)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-10-06
care (wear)2 sources compared
Synthetic Moissanite — care (wear): The paper found no cleavage in a hammer test but warned that faceted synthetic moissanite under hard wear may develop conchoidal breaks along the girdle.
Gems & Gemology 1997 (Nassau et al.)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-10-06
- Source
- K. Nassau, S.F. McClure, S. Elen & J.E. Shigley, “Synthetic Moissanite: A New Diamond Substitute”, Gems & Gemology 33(4): 260–275 (1997) (archived excerpt: pp. 31–33 of the issue file): p.270, body text (locator checked 2026-10-06)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-10-06
Synthetic Moissanite — care (wear): GIA's 4Cs blog says synthetic moissanite, at 9¼ hardness with excellent toughness, rivals natural diamond for durability.
GIA 4Cs blog (2014)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-10-06
- Source
- GIA 4Cs blog, “Jewelry Buyer’s Guide to Diamond Alternatives” (2014-04-30): Section: main text (locator checked 2026-10-06)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-10-06
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
Each question links to the matching entries on this page; whether they answer it fully, go by the entry wording.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese standard name for Synthetic Moissanite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.4; the suggested listing name is Synthetic Moissanite, and in listings the word “synthetic” must not be omitted and it must not be called diamond. Names in four languagesNames are registered in four languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Synthetic Moissanite) and Japanese. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is synthetic silicon carbide corresponding to moissanite. Institution usageOn authority wording, the FTC and CIBJO texts on file have no wording for Synthetic Moissanite (checked), and GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the English name Synthetic Moissanite, which does not represent their position. Japanese namesThe wording used by the GSJ (Japan) for the Japanese name is not yet verified; the Japanese name shown is the entry's own.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 合成モアサナイト (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 合成碳硅石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.4)
- Mineralogical name
- Synthetic silicon carbide corresponding to moissanite
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 合成碳硅石
- 繁體中文
- 合成碳硅石
- English
- Synthetic Moissanite
- 日本語
- 合成モアサナイト
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Artificial products / Manufactured products
- Material domain
- Artificial products / Manufactured products
- Browsing family
- Synthetic gem products
- Identity tier
- Artificial product type
- Mineral chemical class
- Mixed / composition-dependent
- Construction or treatment status
- Synthetic product
What it is and how it's identified
The material facts for Synthetic Moissanite: chemical composition is SiC; the structure is crystalline, hexagonal, with a massive crystal habit; Mohs hardness is 9.25 with no cleavage; density is 3.2–3.24 g/cm³, a range derived from the cited clause value of 3.22 with a tolerance of ±0.02; the optic character is anisotropic, uniaxial, positive; refractive index is 2.648–2.691, birefringence 0.043 and dispersion 0.104; the UV-visible spectrum is not diagnostic, and the mid-infrared region shows the characteristic infrared absorption bands of Synthetic Moissanite. Where the treatment state is untreated, pleochroism is not diagnostic; long-wave fluorescence is none to orange; magnification shows pinpoint or needle-like inclusions and obvious doubling (birefringence); body colour is colourless or with a slight light yellow or light green tint, as well as green, black and other colours; and the quality factor (lustre) is subadamantine. A further note on the body colour of Synthetic Moissanite points out that in chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017 the clauses for brazilianite, cassiterite, euclase and other varieties also give colourless as a colour.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Synthetic Moissanite — composition (chemistry): SiC
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Structure
Synthetic Moissanite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — structure (crystal system): hexagonal
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — structure (crystal habit): blocky
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Synthetic Moissanite — Mohs hardness: 9.25
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — cleavage: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Synthetic Moissanite — density: 3.2–3.24 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.22, with a stated tolerance of ±0.02. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Synthetic Moissanite — optic character: uniaxial, optically positive (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — refractive index: 2.648–2.691
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — birefringence: 0.043
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — dispersion: 0.104
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — pleochroism: non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — fluorescence (overall): long wave from none to orange
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescencefrom none to: orangeDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — spectrum (infrared): diagnostic bands of synthetic moissanite in the mid-IR
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — magnification: point-like and filiform inclusions, obvious doubling (birefringence).
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Moissanite — body colour: colorless or faintly tinged with light yellow or light green; also green, black and others.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Brazilianite, Cassiterite, Euclase and other variety clauses also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Quality factors
Synthetic Moissanite — quality factor (lustre): subadamantine
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 2.67 / 3.22; Closest values: 1Rutile 2.753 / 4.23, 2Synthetic Rutile 2.76 / 4.26, 3Diamond 2.417 / 3.52, 4Sphalerite 2.369 / 4, 5Artificial Strontium Titanate 2.409 / 5.13
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
For untreated Synthetic Moissanite, the instrumental identification lead is its high thermal conductivity, which can make a thermal conductivity tester beep; this lead is cited from GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing.
How far testing can go
Synthetic Moissanite — how far testing can go (instrumental testing): Thermal conductivity is high, and a thermal-conductivity tester may beep on it.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.13 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
The clause-level definition of Synthetic Moissanite is recorded in GB/T 16552—2017 Annex A, under the term Synthetic Moissanite, defined as synthetic silicon carbide corresponding to moissanite, that is, man-made silicon carbide as the counterpart of moissanite. The cross-check result is that GB/T lists this name directly, with no standalone CIBJO entry under the same name. To check the clause-level definition of Synthetic Moissanite, the basis is GB/T 16552—2017 Annex A and the term Synthetic Moissanite.
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Moissanite | GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A | Synthetic silicon carbide corresponding to moissanite | Listed directly by GB/T; CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- Federal Trade Commission (United States). In the Loupe: Advertising Diamond, Gemstones and Pearls.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Synthetic gem products | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Synthetic Moissanite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.