moissanite

[ moi-suh-nahyt, -zuh- ]

noun

1. a rare, naturally occurring form of silicon carbide found in meteoric iron.
2. silicon carbide grown in a laboratory, especially as a diamond alternative.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moissanite¹

First recorded in 1900–05; Moissan ( def ) + -ite ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Haley Biemiller, co-founder of the jewelry line Venvs, which specializes in “atypical” stones including salt-and-pepper diamonds, said another style favored by the brand’s queer clients was moissanite.

From Seattle Times

Grown in labs, moissanite looks more like a clear diamond and is almost as durable, she explained, but “sparkles a little bit more like a rainbow.”

From Seattle Times

A half-carat moissanite sells for around $400 at Venvs, while a 2.25-carat stone can cost $1,500, according to the line’s other co-founder, Sam Indelicato.

From Seattle Times

There, Mr. McCann proposed with a moissanite ring he bought on Etsy.

From New York Times

On Jan. 3, after a full day at the amusement park during which he had to beg a security guard not to make him empty his pockets — they contained a moissanite solitaire ring he bought in Chicago — he proposed in the hotel room.

From New York Times