How durable is Asscher Moissanite?

Moissanite has emerged as a remarkable alternative to traditional diamonds, captivating consumers with its brilliance, affordability, and ethical sourcing. Among the various shapes and cuts available, Asscher Moissanite stands out for its unique and elegant appearance. As a supplier of Asscher Moissanite, I am often asked about its durability. In this blog post, I will delve into the factors that contribute to the durability of Asscher Moissanite and provide insights into its long - term performance.

Understanding Moissanite

Before discussing the durability of Asscher Moissanite, it is essential to understand what moissanite is. Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC). It was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially, it was thought to be diamonds due to their similar appearance, but further research revealed its true nature.

Today, moissanite is created in laboratories using advanced technological processes. This synthetic gemstone has several properties that make it an attractive choice for jewelry. It has a high refractive index, which means it can disperse light in a way that creates a beautiful sparkle, often even more brilliant than diamonds. It also has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which is second only to diamonds (which have a rating of 10). This hardness is a key factor in determining the durability of a gemstone.

The Durability of Asscher Moissanite

The durability of a gemstone is determined by several factors, including its hardness, toughness, and stability. Let's examine how Asscher Moissanite fares in each of these aspects.

Hardness

As mentioned earlier, moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This high hardness means that Asscher Moissanite is highly resistant to scratching. In daily wear, it can withstand normal abrasions from contact with other objects such as keys, coins, or countertops. For comparison, most common household items have a hardness of less than 7 on the Mohs scale. For example, glass has a hardness of around 5.5 - 7, and quartz (which is found in many countertops) has a hardness of 7. This means that Asscher Moissanite is unlikely to be scratched by these common materials.

However, it's important to note that while moissanite is very hard, it can still be scratched by diamonds or other moissanite stones if they come into direct contact. So, when storing Asscher Moissanite jewelry, it's advisable to keep it separate from diamond jewelry or other moissanite pieces to prevent potential scratching.

Toughness

Toughness refers to a gemstone's ability to resist breaking or chipping when subjected to impact. Moissanite has good toughness, but it is not as tough as some other gemstones. The Asscher cut, with its step - cut facets and square or rectangular shape, has some inherent vulnerabilities. The corners of an Asscher - cut moissanite are more prone to chipping if the stone is struck at the right angle.

To mitigate this risk, jewelers often take precautions when setting Asscher Moissanite. They may use protective settings, such as bezel settings, which surround the stone and provide an extra layer of protection for the corners. Additionally, consumers should be careful when wearing Asscher Moissanite jewelry during activities that involve a high risk of impact, such as sports or heavy manual labor.

Stability

Moissanite is chemically stable and does not react with common chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, or cosmetics. This means that Asscher Moissanite jewelry can be worn while performing normal daily activities without the risk of the stone being damaged by chemical reactions. It also retains its color and clarity over time, making it a long - lasting choice for jewelry.

Comparing Asscher Moissanite with Other Gemstones

To better understand the durability of Asscher Moissanite, let's compare it with other popular gemstones used in jewelry.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 10. They are more scratch - resistant than Asscher Moissanite. However, in terms of toughness, diamonds have cleavage planes, which means they can break or chip more easily if struck at the right angle. Asscher Moissanite, on the other hand, does not have cleavage planes, giving it an edge in terms of overall toughness in some situations.

Crushed Ice Oval Diamond Moissanite

The Crushed Ice Oval Diamond Moissanite has a unique appearance with a faceting style that resembles crushed ice. In terms of durability, it shares the same hardness and chemical stability as Asscher Moissanite. However, the oval shape may have different stress distribution compared to the square or rectangular Asscher cut. The oval shape generally has fewer sharp corners, which may reduce the risk of chipping to some extent.

Cushion Cut Moissanite

The Cushion Cut Moissanite has rounded corners, which gives it an advantage in terms of toughness compared to the Asscher cut. The rounded edges are less likely to chip when subjected to impact. But like Asscher Moissanite, it has a high hardness and good chemical stability.

Caring for Asscher Moissanite

To ensure the long - term durability and beauty of Asscher Moissanite jewelry, proper care is essential. Here are some tips:

• Cleaning: Clean Asscher Moissanite regularly using a mild soap and warm water. You can use a soft - bristled brush to gently clean the stone and remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the stone thoroughly and dry it with a soft, lint - free cloth.
• Storage: As mentioned earlier, store Asscher Moissanite jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. You can use a jewelry box with individual compartments or a soft pouch to store the jewelry.
• Professional Inspection: Have your Asscher Moissanite jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year. The jeweler can check the setting for any signs of wear or looseness and make any necessary repairs.

Conclusion

Asscher Moissanite is a durable gemstone that offers a combination of beauty and practicality. Its high hardness makes it resistant to scratching, and its chemical stability ensures that it retains its appearance over time. While it has some vulnerabilities in terms of chipping, especially at the corners of the Asscher cut, proper care and protective settings can help minimize these risks.

If you're considering purchasing Asscher Moissanite jewelry, it's a great choice for everyday wear as long as you take the necessary precautions. At our company, we offer a wide range of high - quality Asscher Moissanite jewelry. We are committed to providing our customers with the best products and services. If you're interested in learning more about our Asscher Moissanite offerings or have any questions about purchasing, please feel free to reach out to us for a procurement discussion.

References

• "Gemstone Identification and Evaluation" by Richard T. Liddicoat
• "The World of Gemstones" by Walter Schumann
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) research publications on moissanite