Article: What Is Black Moissanite? Everything You Need to Know
What Is Black Moissanite? Everything You Need to Know
Black moissanite takes everything people know about traditional moissanite and gives it a completely different personality.
Instead of the bright, colourless appearance and rainbow fire associated with traditional moissanite, black moissanite has a deep black appearance with sharp flashes of reflected light across its polished facets.
It is dark. Distinctive. Unexpected.
But what exactly is black moissanite? Is it real moissanite? How is it made? Does black moissanite sparkle? Does it pass a diamond tester? And how does it compare with colourless moissanite and black diamonds?
This guide covers everything you should know about black moissanite before choosing it for your jewelry.
What Is Black Moissanite?
Black moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC), the same material as traditional colourless moissanite.
Natural moissanite does exist, but it is extremely rare. The moissanite used in modern jewelry is therefore grown under controlled laboratory conditions.
What makes black moissanite different is its appearance.
Instead of being colourless, the gemstone has a deep black body colour. When properly cut and polished, its facets reflect light to create sharp flashes against the dark stone.
The result is not the same bright rainbow fire associated with colourless moissanite.
It is a different kind of brilliance.
Is Black Moissanite Real Moissanite?
Yes. Genuine black moissanite is real moissanite.
Its chemical composition is silicon carbide. It is not black cubic zirconia, glass or a black diamond.
The term lab-grown moissanite describes how the gemstone was produced. It does not mean the stone is imitation moissanite.
Modern jewelry-grade moissanite is grown under controlled laboratory conditions rather than mined from naturally occurring deposits.
Where Does Moissanite Come From?
Moissanite has an unusual history.
French chemist Henri Moissan discovered tiny crystals of naturally occurring silicon carbide while examining material from the Canyon Diablo meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893.
The mineral was eventually named moissanite in his honour.
Naturally occurring moissanite proved far too rare to supply the jewelry industry. Scientists later developed methods for growing silicon carbide crystals in laboratories, making gem-quality moissanite available for jewelry.
Today, laboratory-grown moissanite can be cut into many of the same gemstone shapes used in fine jewelry, including round, princess, pear, oval, emerald and radiant cuts.
How Is Black Moissanite Made?
Black moissanite begins with laboratory-grown silicon carbide.
Producing high-quality silicon carbide requires controlled crystal-growth conditions. Once the material has been produced, suitable portions can be selected before being cut and polished into gemstones.
With genuine black moissanite, the dark appearance comes from the material itself rather than simply applying black colour to the outside of a colourless stone.
The gemstone is then precision cut and polished to create facets capable of reflecting light from its dark surface.
Is MOISS & ICE Black Moissanite Surface-Coated?
No. MOISS & ICE uses genuine black moissanite that is not surface-coated to make the stones appear black.
The black appearance is part of the stone itself.
This means the colour does not depend on a thin black coating applied to the outside of an otherwise colourless gemstone.
This is an important distinction when comparing different types of black or coloured moissanite jewelry.
Does Black Moissanite Sparkle?
Yes, but black moissanite sparkles differently from colourless moissanite.
Traditional colourless moissanite is famous for intense brilliance and fire. When light enters the gemstone, its optical properties can create bright white and rainbow flashes.
Black moissanite creates a different visual effect.
Its dark appearance means you primarily see light reflecting from its polished facets. As the gemstone moves, those facets can produce sharp flashes of reflected light against the deep black stone.
Black Moissanite Sparkle
Deep black colour + sharp reflective flashes + strong contrast.
Colourless Moissanite Sparkle
Bright brilliance + intense fire + rainbow flashes.
Neither look is necessarily better. They create completely different styles.
Black Moissanite vs. Regular Moissanite
Black and colourless moissanite share the same silicon carbide foundation, but their appearance is dramatically different.
| Feature | Black Moissanite | Colourless Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Silicon carbide |
| Appearance | Deep black | Colourless or near-colourless |
| Light Effect | Sharp reflective flashes | Bright fire and brilliance |
| Hardness | Approx. 9.25 Mohs | Approx. 9.25 Mohs |
| Lab-Grown | Yes | Yes |
| Diamond Tester | Can register on thermal testers | Can register on thermal testers |
| Style | Dark, modern and distinctive | Bright, classic and brilliant |
If you want maximum visible fire and a traditional diamond-inspired appearance, colourless moissanite may be your preferred choice.
If you want something darker, less traditional and built around contrast, black moissanite offers an entirely different look.
Black Moissanite vs. Black Diamond
Black moissanite and black diamond may create a similar dark appearance in jewelry, but they are different gemstones.
Diamond is made primarily from carbon. Moissanite is silicon carbide.
Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite ranks approximately 9.25, making both highly resistant to scratching while diamond remains the harder material.
| Feature | Black Moissanite | Black Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Silicon carbide | Carbon |
| Mohs Hardness | Approx. 9.25 | 10 |
| MOISS & ICE Stone Origin | Lab-grown | Not applicable |
Black moissanite should never be represented as a black diamond. Its appeal comes from its own properties and appearance.
Does Black Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes. Black moissanite can register as diamond on conventional thermal diamond testers.
Many basic diamond testers work by measuring thermal conductivity. Moissanite also conducts heat effectively, which can cause these testers to react as though the stone were diamond.
This does not mean moissanite is a diamond.
Professional testing equipment designed to distinguish moissanite from diamond can identify the difference between the two gemstones.
MOISS & ICE black moissanite passes a diamond tester, and our black moissanite tennis chains 3mm and larger include a GRA certificate.
How Durable Is Black Moissanite?
Black moissanite is extremely hard.
Moissanite ranks approximately 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared with 10 for diamond.
The Mohs scale measures resistance to scratching. This makes moissanite harder than many gemstones commonly used in jewelry and suitable for pieces designed for regular wear.
Hardness does not mean a gemstone is indestructible. Hard impacts can potentially damage a stone or its setting, so black moissanite jewelry should still be treated as fine jewelry.
Does Black Moissanite Fade or Lose Its Colour?
At Moiss & Ice Canada we use genuine, non-surface-coated black moissanite which does not rely on a thin black layer applied to the exterior of the gemstone. Our stones are black throughout.
MOISS & ICE black moissanite is black throughout rather than surface-coated.
Normal wear therefore cannot simply rub away a black outer coating because there is no black surface coating to remove.
The rest of the jewelry still requires proper care. Metal settings, clasps and gold finishes can experience wear depending on how the jewelry is worn and maintained.
Why Choose Black Moissanite?
For years, moissanite became known primarily as a bright, highly brilliant gemstone.
Black moissanite creates another reason to choose it.
It does not need to look like a traditional diamond.
Its appeal comes from individuality, contrast and its deep black appearance.
Black moissanite jewelry works especially well in:
- Black moissanite tennis chains
- Black moissanite tennis bracelets
- Black moissanite rings
- Black moissanite earrings
- Black moissanite pendants
- Men's moissanite jewelry
- Women's moissanite jewelry
- Unisex jewelry
- Layered chains and bracelets
Black Moissanite Tennis Chains
A tennis chain is one of the best designs for showcasing black moissanite because it creates a continuous row of stones around the neck.
Replacing traditional colourless stones with black moissanite completely changes the personality of the tennis chain.
Instead of a continuous line of bright white brilliance, you get a dark silhouette punctuated by flashes of reflected light as the stones move.
That idea inspired The Shyam Black Moissanite Tennis Chain.
Shyam features round brilliant-cut genuine black moissanite individually set into premium 925 silver and finished with our thick 3-micron, 5-layer 18K gold finish.
Available in multiple lengths and stone widths, you can choose anything from a slimmer everyday black tennis chain to a much bolder statement piece.
Shop the 18" Shyam Black Moissanite Tennis Chain →
Shop All Moissanite Tennis Chains →
How To Style Black Moissanite Jewelry
Wear Black Moissanite Alone
A single black moissanite tennis chain creates a clean, dark look that immediately stands apart from traditional colourless jewelry.
Black Moissanite With Yellow Gold
Yellow gold creates strong contrast against deep black stones. The combination produces a warmer, bolder appearance.
Black Moissanite With White Gold
White gold creates a cooler look while allowing the black stones to remain the focal point.
Layer Black and Colourless Moissanite
Black and colourless moissanite can also be worn together.
Layering a black moissanite tennis chain with a traditional colourless moissanite tennis chain creates strong contrast.
The colourless stones deliver bright fire while the black stones introduce depth and a darker visual break.
How To Clean Black Moissanite
Keeping your black moissanite clean helps its polished facets reflect light.
- Mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap.
- Allow the jewelry to soak briefly.
- Gently clean around the stones and settings using a very soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry using a clean, soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals.
For gold-plated jewelry, avoid frequent exposure to perfume, alcohol, hand sanitizer, seawater and other chemicals that can accelerate wear of the gold finish.
Is Black Moissanite Good for Everyday Wear?
With a hardness of approximately 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly resistant to scratching and suitable for jewelry designed for regular wear.
How often you should wear a particular piece also depends on its design.
Rings, bracelets and large tennis chains experience different levels of friction, movement and potential impact.
Removing your jewelry during activities that expose it to hard impacts, chemicals or abrasive surfaces will help maintain its appearance.
Is Black Moissanite Worth It?
The answer depends on what you want from your jewelry.
Choose colourless moissanite if you want maximum visible fire, rainbow flashes and a classic diamond-inspired appearance.
Choose black moissanite if you want deep colour, sharp reflections, strong contrast and something far less traditional.
Black moissanite is not simply regular moissanite in another colour.
It creates an entirely different identity.
Discover Black Moissanite at MOISS & ICE Canada
We introduced our Shyam Black Moissanite Collection for customers looking for something beyond the traditional iced-out tennis chain.
Every Shyam features genuine, non-surface-coated black moissanite set in premium 925 silver and finished with our thick 3-micron, 5-layer 18K gold finish.
Our black moissanite passes a diamond tester, and Shyam chains 3mm and larger include a GRA certificate.
MOISS & ICE is proudly Canadian owned and operated, with free insured shipping across Canada and the USA.
Dark. Refined. Unexpected.
Discover The Shyam Black Moissanite Tennis Chain →
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Moissanite
Is Black Moissanite Real?
Yes. Genuine black moissanite is silicon carbide. It is a lab-grown gemstone and is chemically different from diamond, cubic zirconia and glass.
Is Black Moissanite Natural?
Natural moissanite exists but is extremely rare. Commercial jewelry-grade moissanite is laboratory-grown.
Is Black Moissanite Coated?
Not necessarily. Different coloured moissanite products can be produced differently. MOISS & ICE black moissanite is genuine black moissanite and is not surface-coated. The black appearance is part of the stone itself.
Does Black Moissanite Sparkle?
Yes. Black moissanite maintains its deep black appearance while its polished facets create sharp flashes and reflections as they interact with light. Its appearance is different from the bright rainbow fire associated with colourless moissanite.
Does Black Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
Black moissanite can register as diamond on conventional thermal diamond testers because moissanite conducts heat effectively. MOISS & ICE black moissanite passes a diamond tester.
Is Black Moissanite a Black Diamond?
No. Black diamond consists primarily of carbon. Black moissanite is silicon carbide. They are different gemstones.
How Hard Is Black Moissanite?
Moissanite ranks approximately 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly resistant to scratching and suitable for jewelry.
Does Black Moissanite Lose Its Black Colour?
MOISS & ICE black moissanite is not surface-coated. Its black appearance is part of the stone rather than a black layer applied to the exterior, so there is no black surface coating to wear away.
Does Black Moissanite Come With a GRA Certificate?
MOISS & ICE black moissanite tennis chains 3mm and larger include a GRA certificate.
Can Men and Women Wear Black Moissanite?
Yes. Black moissanite is suitable for men's, women's and unisex jewelry. Its appeal comes from its dark colour, reflective facets and distinctive appearance rather than a specific gender.
Can You Wear Black and Colourless Moissanite Together?
Yes. Combining black and colourless moissanite creates strong contrast and works especially well when layering tennis chains and bracelets.
Black Moissanite: A Different Kind of Brilliance
Traditional moissanite is known for extraordinary fire.
Black moissanite tells a different story.
Its deep colour, reflective facets and dramatic contrast create jewelry that does not need to imitate the traditional diamond look.
For someone who wants something different, that's exactly the point.
