hexagonal Simulant diamond simulant
Moissanite (Faceted)
SiC (silicon carbide)
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Moissanite
#! System: Hexagonal (6mm)
#! Habit: Hexagonal prism terminated by pinacoid
hexagonal[6mm]:{10-10}@1.0 + {0001}@0.6
hexagonal
6mm
{10-10} {0001}
Quick Facts
Hardness
9.25
Specific Gravity
3.21
Refractive Index
2.648
Optical Character
Uniaxial +
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Open in PlaygroundPhysical Properties
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Hardness (Mohs)9.25
Specific Gravity3.21
CleavageIndistinct
FractureConchoidal
LustreAdamantine
Optical Properties
Refractive Index2.648
Birefringence0.043
Optical CharacterUniaxial +
Dispersion0.104
FluorescenceWeak orange (LW UV)
Origin & Identification
OriginSimulant
ManufacturerCharles & Colvard (primary)
First Produced1998
Diagnostic FeaturesVery high birefringence (0.043) causing visible doubling of back facets, higher dispersion than diamond (0.104 vs 0.044), needle-like inclusions parallel to c-axis, reads as diamond on thermal probe (high thermal conductivity)
Colours
Near-colourlessSlightly tintedGreen-grey (older production)
Common Inclusions
Needle-like inclusions parallel to c-axisWhite stringy inclusions
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Open in PlaygroundNatural Counterpart
The natural gem this simulant imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the hexagonal system
