As a supplier of Asscher Moissanite Diamonds, I often get asked about the durability of these stunning gemstones. In this blog post, I'll delve into the science behind Asscher Moissanite Diamonds and explore their durability from various perspectives.
What is Asscher Moissanite Diamond?
Before we discuss durability, let's briefly understand what Asscher Moissanite Diamond is. Moissanite is a lab - created gemstone composed of silicon carbide. The Asscher cut is a specific diamond - cutting style, characterized by a square or rectangular shape with cropped corners and a high - contrast step - cut pattern. This cut was originally developed for diamonds in the early 20th century by Joseph Asscher, and it has since been applied to moissanite as well.
Hardness: A Key Indicator of Durability
One of the primary factors determining a gemstone's durability is its hardness. Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds, the hardest natural substance on Earth, rank 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite, on the other hand, has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale.
This high hardness value means that Asscher Moissanite Diamonds are extremely resistant to scratching. In daily wear, they can withstand normal abrasions from contact with objects like keys, coins, and other jewelry. For comparison, common gemstones like amethyst (hardness 7) and turquoise (hardness 5 - 6) are much more prone to scratching. This makes Asscher Moissanite Diamonds a great choice for engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry that are worn frequently.
Toughness: Resisting Chipping and Breaking
While hardness measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching, toughness refers to its ability to withstand breakage from impacts. Moissanite has good toughness, but it's not as tough as diamonds. The internal structure of moissanite contains some cleavage planes, which are areas where the crystal can break more easily under the right conditions.
However, in most real - life situations, Asscher Moissanite Diamonds are quite resilient. With proper care, they can handle the normal bumps and knocks that come with everyday activities. For example, if you accidentally bump your hand against a table while wearing an Asscher Moissanite Diamond ring, it's unlikely to break. But it's still important to avoid subjecting the gemstone to extreme impacts, such as hitting it with a hammer or dropping it on a hard surface from a great height.
Chemical Stability
Another aspect of durability is chemical stability. Asscher Moissanite Diamonds are highly chemically stable. They are resistant to most common chemicals, including acids and bases. This means that they won't be damaged by exposure to substances like household cleaning products, sweat, or cosmetics.
In fact, moissanite's chemical stability is one of the reasons why it maintains its luster and brilliance over time. Unlike some other gemstones that may fade or corrode when exposed to certain chemicals, Asscher Moissanite Diamonds will keep their beautiful appearance with minimal maintenance.
Comparing with Other Fancy - Cut Moissanite Diamonds
When it comes to fancy - cut moissanite diamonds, each cut has its own unique characteristics in terms of durability. For instance, Oval Moissanite Diamond has a more rounded shape, which may distribute stress more evenly across the gemstone. This can potentially make it slightly more resistant to chipping compared to the Asscher cut, which has sharp corners.
Cushion Moissanite Diamond, with its soft, rounded edges and large facets, also offers good durability. The rounded edges reduce the risk of chipping, similar to the oval cut.
Radiant Moissanite Diamond combines the brilliance of the emerald cut with the rounded corners of the cushion cut. It has a relatively balanced durability profile, but like the Asscher cut, the corners may be more vulnerable to damage if not handled carefully.
Care and Maintenance for Asscher Moissanite Diamonds
To ensure the long - term durability of Asscher Moissanite Diamonds, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some tips:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your Asscher Moissanite Diamond jewelry with a mild soap and warm water. Use a soft - bristled brush to gently scrub the gemstone and remove any dirt or debris. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint - free cloth.
- Storage: When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a separate compartment or a soft jewelry pouch to prevent it from scratching against other pieces.
- Professional Inspection: Have your Asscher Moissanite Diamond jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year. They can check for any loose settings or signs of damage and make necessary repairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asscher Moissanite Diamonds are generally quite durable. Their high hardness makes them resistant to scratching, and they have good chemical stability. While they are not as tough as diamonds and the sharp corners of the Asscher cut may require a bit more care, with proper handling and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
If you're considering purchasing Asscher Moissanite Diamonds or any other moissanite jewelry, I'd be more than happy to assist you. Whether you're looking for a stunning engagement ring or a unique piece of jewelry for a special occasion, I can provide you with high - quality gemstones at competitive prices. Contact me to start the procurement process and let's find the perfect Asscher Moissanite Diamond for you.
References
- "Gemstone Encyclopedia" by Robert Weldon
- "The Science of Gemstones" by John Sinkankas
