Originally, moissanite is a natural stone discovered in fragments of a meteorite at "Meteor Crater" in Arizona. Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan, Nobel Prize winner in 1906, called it silicon carbide or Carborundum. This mineral was later named moissanite in his honour. Natural moissanite was unexploitable because it can rarely occur naturally, and is manufactured in laboratories through a patented thermal growing process. It is in the 1980s that the first large synthetic Moissanite crystals have been created. Nowadays moissanite crystals are manufactured and cut in the USA by Charles & Colvard ® Ltd. and are distributed in France by MOISSANITE. Moissanite properties: Brilliance (or refractive index)- Moissanite's visual characteristics make it a unique gemstone. With a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, more than diamond, moissanite has more brilliance and sparkle than any other gemstone. Moreover, its precisely calibrated and carefully hand-cut facet patterns intensify fire and increase brilliance. Dispersion (or fire)- When light rays enter a gemstone, it is split into the seven spectral colours, in an effect of dispersion called Fire. Moissanite has nearly 2.4 times the fire of diamond, producing a rich colour spectrum, even under candle light. Lustre (or surface refraction)- It is the amount of light that is reflected back to the observer from the surface of the jewel. This light is called lustre and depends on the refractive index of the stone. Moissanite has more lustre than any other gemstone. Hardness (on Mohs scale)- The durability of a jewel is determined by its hardness, or resistance to scratching, by its toughness, or resistance to chipping or cleaving. With a hardness of 9.5 on Mohs scale, Moissanite comes only second to diamond. It is also highly resistant to scratching, abrasion, breaking and chipping. Stability (or heat resistance)- Moissanite has heat resistance properties superior to many other gemstones. Moissanite jewels can be cast in place, making setting easier and allowing to offer innovative designs. Moissanite jewels are less likely to experience heat damage during jewellery repair operations, as it is resistant to extreme temperatures without colour or composition alterations. Density (or specific gravity)- The specific gravity of Moissanite is 3.21. For example a 6.5mm round brilliant Moissanite jewel is approximately 0.87 carats (1 carat diamond equivalent).