Do Moissanite Rings Turn Green?

Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made from silicon carbide. This hard and durable material occurs naturally in the form of the mineral moissanite. It was first discovered in a meteorite in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on this and other minerals.

Moissanite is created in a laboratory through crystallization, which involves heating and pressuring silicon carbide powder until it forms large, single crystals. These crystals are then cut and polished into the gemstones we see in moissanite jewelry.

In terms of its physical and chemical properties, moissanite is known for its excellent hardness and durability. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it one of the most complex substances on earth, second only to diamonds. It is also highly resistant to scratching and chipping, which makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear. In addition to its durability, moissanite is known for its brilliant sparkle and fire caused by its high refractive index and dispersion.

Yes, moissanite rings can turn green over time. This is due to trace amounts of copper in the moissanite stone. Copper is a naturally occurring element often used in jewelry making. It can react with other elements to produce a greenish color. In the case of moissanite, the trace amounts of copper present in the stone can react with other environmental elements, such as oxygen and moisture, to produce a greenish color on the stone's surface.

A few factors can affect the likelihood of a moissanite ring turning green. One factor is the quality of the moissanite stone. Higher-quality moissanite stones tend to have fewer inclusions and blemishes, making them less susceptible to turning green. Another factor is the type of metal used in the setting. Some types of metal, such as gold and silver, can be more prone to reacting with moissanite and causing it to turn green. Finally, the environment in which the ring is worn can also play a role. If the ring is exposed to damp or humid conditions or worn frequently, it may be more likely to turn green over time.

There have been a few reported cases of moissanite rings turning green over time. One example is a moissanite engagement ring set in yellow gold and worn daily for several years. The ring's owner reported that the stone began to turn green around the edges after a few years of wear. Another example is a moissanite ring set in silver and worn frequently in a humid climate. The ring's owner reported that the stone turned green after a few months of wear.

Not all moissanite rings turn green over time. Many people have worn moissanite rings for years without any issues. One example is a moissanite engagement ring set in white gold and worn daily for several years. The ring's owner reported that the stone remained sparkly and white, with no signs of greening. Another example is a moissanite ring set in platinum and worn infrequently in a dry climate. The ring's owner reported that the stone remained clear and colorless, with no signs of greening.

If you are concerned about the potential for your moissanite ring to turn green, you can take a few steps to prevent it from happening. First and foremost, it is essential to care for and store your moissanite jewelry properly. Here are a few tips to help avoid your moissanite from turning green:

1. Keep it dry: Moissanite is a durable gemstone but is not entirely immune to damage. To prevent your moissanite from turning green, keeping it dry and away from moisture is essential. This means taking off your moissanite ring when washing your hands or doing other activities that could expose it to water. Removing your moissanite jewelry before swimming or showering is also a good idea.

2. Avoid harsh chemicals: Moissanite is resistant to most chemicals but can be sensitive to some substances. To prevent your moissanite from turning green, it is important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine. These substances can react with the trace amounts of copper in the moissanite and cause it to turn green.

3. Store your moissanite properly: When not wearing your moissanite jewelry, it is important to store it properly to prevent it from turning green. This means keeping it in a dry, protected place, away from moisture and harsh chemicals. A jewelry box or a pouch made of soft, non-abrasive material is a good choice.

In conclusion, moissanite rings can turn green due to trace amounts of copper in the stone. The likelihood of a moissanite ring turning green can be affected by factors such as the quality of the stone, the type of metal used in the setting, and the environment in which the ring is worn. To prevent moissanite from turning green, it is essential to care for and store the jewelry properly, such as keeping it dry and away from harsh chemicals. There are also alternatives to moissanite, such as other lab-created and natural gemstones, for those concerned about the potential for moissanite to turn green.

While moissanite may turn green in some cases, it is still a durable and affordable alternative to diamonds for those interested in a gemstone engagement or wedding ring. If you are considering a moissanite ring, it is important to research and makes an informed decision. Be sure to consider the potential for the moissanite to turn green, as well as the other factors that can affect the appearance and durability of the stone. Overall, moissanite is a beautiful and popular choice for fine jewelry. With proper care and attention, it can be enjoyed for many years to come.