moissanite

1 9.9

A rare hard stone like diamond used in jewelry and tools but cheaper

noun
/ˈmɔɪsəˌnaɪt/

: moissanita

Examples

A moissanite is an artificial diamond, Lincoln.

Snatch (2000)
No, it's a moissanite.

Snatch (2000)
But this is a bracelet, with the words"“Mother Green Earth" surrounded by real crusted pink moissanites.

So Undercover (2012)
Moissanite is a popular gemstone for those looking for an affordable alternative to moissanite.
Many couples choose moissanite for engagement rings because it offers a beautiful sparkle at a lower price.
Jewelry made with moissanite can often rival that of traditional diamond pieces in clarity and brilliance.

Surface Forms

moissanite singular

moissanites plural

Morphology

moissanite = Moissan (opaque) = moissan + ite

Formed from a proper name plus the mineral suffix '-ite'; knowing the components does not let a typical learner infer that it is silicon carbide used as a gemstone.

Etymology

Moissanite is named after the French scientist Moissan, who first found the mineral in a meteorite, a 'rock from space'. The ending -ite is common in mineral names, as in graphite, so the name tells you it is a hard mineral often used as a shiny gem and a more affordable alternative to the diamond.