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SDLRC - Moissanite


The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Scientific and Media Articles based on Major Keyword - Moissanite
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation is compiled by Patricia Sheahan who publishes on a monthly basis a list of new scientific articles related to diamonds as well as media coverage and corporate announcements called the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service that is distributed as a free pdf to a list of followers. Pat has kindly agreed to allow her work to be made available as an online digital resource at Kaiser Research Online so that a broader community interested in diamonds and related geology can benefit. The references are for personal use information purposes only; when available a link is provided to an online location where the full article can be accessed or purchased directly. Reproduction of this compilation in part or in whole without permission from the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service is strictly prohibited. Return to Diamond Keyword Index
Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Scientific Articles by Author for all years
A-An Ao+ B-Bd Be-Bk Bl-Bq Br+ C-Cg Ch-Ck Cl+ D-Dd De-Dn Do+ E F-Fn Fo+ G-Gh Gi-Gq Gr+ H-Hd He-Hn Ho+ I J K-Kg Kh-Kn Ko-Kq Kr+ L-Lh
Li+ M-Maq Mar-Mc Md-Mn Mo+ N O P-Pd Pe-Pn Po+ Q R-Rh Ri-Rn Ro+ S-Sd Se-Sh Si-Sm Sn-Ss St+ T-Th Ti+ U V W-Wg Wh+ X Y Z
Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Media/Corporate References by Name for all years
A B C D-Diam Diamonds Diamr+ E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Each article reference in the SDLRC is tagged with one or more key words assigned by Pat Sheahan to highlight the main topics of the article. In an effort to make it easier for users to track down articles related to a specific topic, KRO has extracted these key words and developed a list of major key words presented in this Key Word Index to which individual key words used in the article reference have been assigned. In most of the individual Key Word Reports the references are in crhonological order, though in some such as Deposits the order is first by key word and then chronological. Only articles classified as "technical" (mainly scientific journal articles) and "media" (independent media articles) are included in the Key Word Index. References that were added in the most recent monthly update are highlighted in yellow.

Moissanite is the name given to natural silicon carbide which has been found in meteor impact craters and some kimberlites and lamproites. It has also been found as inclusions within diamonds. Because natural silicon carbide is very rare, all applications use synthetic silicon carbide. Because of its optical properties and hardness just below diamond synthetic moissanite has been marketed as an alternative to diamond.

Moissanite
Posted/
Published
AuthorTitleSourceRegionKeywords
DS1860-0995
1897
Kunz, G.F.Precious Stones: Diamonds - Kunz 1896 Bingara, Boggy Camp, Mineral Resources of The United States For 1896: Part 2, Non, PP. 1183-1217.Africa, South Africa, United States, AustraliaMoissanite
DS1987-0406
1987
Leung, I.S.Moissanite sanidine intergrowth occurs in diamond containing griquaiticinclusionsEos, abstractRussia, ChinaPetrology, Moissanite
DS1989-1170
1989
Pankov, V.I., Spetsius, Z.V.Inclusions of iron silicates and native silicon in moissanite from the Sytykanskaia kimberlite pipe.(Russian)Doklady Academy of Sciences Akademy Nauk SSSR, (Russian), Vol. 305, No. 3, pp. 704-707RussiaDiamond inclusions, Moissanite
DS1990-1155
1990
Pankov, V.Yu., Spetius, Z.V.Iron silicide and native silicon inclusions in moissanite from the Sytykan kimberlite pipeDoklady Academy of Science USSR, Earth Science Section, Vol. 305, No. 2, Sept. pp. 152-155RussiaKimberlite, Moissanite
DS1992-1558
1992
Tolmacheva, Ye.., Velikoslavinsky, S.D.On a presumed find of moissanite in the Lower Precambrian rocks of the Aldan Shield.Doklady Academy of Sciences USSR, Earth Science Section, Vol. 314, No. 1-6, July 1992, pp. 97-100.Russia, AldanMoissanite, Mineralogy
DS1995-0657
1995
Gorshkov, A.I., Seliverstov, V.A., Sivtsov, A.V.Crystal chemistry and mineralogy of Moissanite from alkaline ultrabasic volcanic complex (Kamchatka). #2Petrology, Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 313-321.Russia, KamchatkaMineral chemistry, Moissanite
DS1995-0659
1995
Gorshov, A.I., Selivers, Sivtsov, A.V.Crystal chemistry and mineralogy of moissanite from alkaline ultrabasic volcanic complex (Kamchatka). #1Geology of Ore Deposits, Vol. 37, No. 4, Jul-Aug. pp. 313-321.Russia, KamchatkaGeochemistry, Moissanite
DS1996-0480
1996
Gardu, G.Geophysical and mineralogical dat a about diamond paragenetic minerals in Moldavian plate, Romania.Geological Society of America (GSA) Abstracts, Vol. 28, No. 7, p. A-414.RomaniaGeophysics, Moissanite
DS1996-0499
1996
Gems & GemologySynthetic moissanite as a diamond simulantGems and Gemology, Gem News, Vol. 32, Spring p. 52.GlobalNews item, Moissanite
DS1997-0836
1997
Nassau, K., McClure, S.F., Elen, S., Shigley, J.E.Synthetic moissanite: a new diamond substituteGems and Gemology, Vol. 33, winter, pp. 260-275.GlobalDiamond synthesis, Moissanite
DS1998-0626
1998
Hodgkinson, A.Diamond distinction from synthetic moissanite - in the darkCanadian Gemologist, XIX, No. 2, Summer pp. 59-60.GlobalDiamond synthesis, Moissanite
DS1998-1337
1998
Shigley, J.E.The identification of gem diamonds - natural, treated, synthetic andotherwise.Ima 17th. Abstract Vol., p. A12. abstractGlobalGem identification, Moissanite
DS1998-1496
1998
Ulmer, G.C., Grandstaff, D., Gobbels, M., Woermann, E.An experimental delineation of the oxygen fugacity of moissanite ( SiC)bearing silicate systems.7th International Kimberlite Conference Abstract, pp. 932-33.GlobalMineral chemistry, Moissanite
DS1998-1588
1998
Woermann, E., Gobbels, M., Ulmer, G.C., Grandstaff, D.Moissanite and its bearing on the oxygen fugacity of the deeper regimes Of the Earth's upper mantle.7th International Kimberlite Conference Abstract, pp. 958-9.MantleMoissanite, Peridotite xenoliths
DS1999-0240
1999
Gems & GemologyHeat exposure may affect reflectance testing of synthetic moissaniteGems and Gemology Gem News, Vol. 35, summer, p. 80-81.GlobalMoissanite
DS1999-0755
1999
Ulmer, G.C., Grandstaff, D.E.Redox stability of moissanite (SIC) and diamond fluid inclusions:implications for the mantle.Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC)., Vol. 24, p. 132. abstractMantleMoissanite
DS2000-0326
2000
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Lab NotesSynthetic moissanite: a black diamond substituteGems and Gemology., Vol. 36, Fall, p. 256.GlobalMoissanite
DS2000-1032
2000
Xu, J., Mao, H.Moissanite: a window for high pressure experimentsScience, Vol. 290, No. 5492, Oct. 27, pp. 783-4.GlobalMoissanite
DS2001-0634
2001
Kratz, O.The rocky road to literary fame: Marcel Proust and the diamond synthesis of Professor Moissan.Angewandte Chemie, Vol. 40, No. 24, pp. 4604-10.UNC1016851246HistoryMoissanite
DS2002-1776
2002
Zhang, J., Wang, L., Weidner, D.J., Uchida, T., Xu, J-A.The strength of moissaniteAmerican Mineralogist, Vol. 87, pp. 1005-8.GlobalMoissanite, Petrology - experimental
DS200412-0553
2004
Filimonova, L.G., Trubkin, N.V., Bortnikov, N.S.Moissanite nanoparticles in disseminated mineralization of the Dukat ore district, northeastern Russia.Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 394, 1, Jan-Feb. pp. 137-140.RussiaMoissanite
DS200912-0776
2009
Trumball, R.B., Yang, J-S., Robinson, P.T., Di Pierro, S., Vennemann, T., Wiedenbeck, M.The carbon isotope composition of natural SiC (moissanite) from the Earth's mantle: new discoveries from ophiolites.Lithos, In press - available 31p.MantleMoissanite
DS201012-0698
2010
Shiryae, A.A., Griffin, W.L., Tomshin, M.D., Okrugin, A.Natural silicon carbide from kimberlites: polytypes, trace elements, inclusions and speculations on its origin.International Mineralogical Association meeting August Budapest, abstract p. 181.TechnologyMoissanite
DM201409-2513
2014
The Israeli Diamond IndustryMoissanite unearthed in Israel shatters records. Kishon River areaisraelidiamond.co.il, Aug. 18, 1/4p.Europe, IsraelNews item - moissanite
DS201412-0144
2014
Coopersmith, H., Toledo, V., Fritsch, E., Ward, J., De Wit, M., Spaggiari, R.Geology and exploration of gem deposits at Mt. Carmel, northern Israel: natural moissanite, sapphire, ruby and diamond.Geological Society of America Conference Vancouver Oct. 19-22, 2p. AbstractEurope, IsraelMoissanite
DS201412-0256
2014
Fritsch, E., Toledo, V., Matlins, A.Record size natural moissanite crystals discovered in Isreal.Gems & Gemology, Vol 50, 2, summer 2p.Europe, IsraelMoissanite
DS201412-0435
2014
Juchem, P.L., Hinrichs, R., Traverso, M.Analise multi-technicas para identificar diamante e moissanta em joias. 6 Simposio Brasileiro de Geologia do Diamante, Aug. 3-7, 6p. AbstractTechnologyMoissanite
DS201412-0512
2014
Liang, F., Xu, Z., Zhao, J.In-situ moissanite in dunite: deep mantle Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet.Acta Geologica Sinica, Vol. 88, 2, pp. 517-529.Asia, TibetMoissanite
DS201412-0818
2014
Shiryeav, A.A., Gaillard, F.Local redux buffering by carbon at low pressures and the formation of moissanite natural SiC.European Journal of Mineralogy, Vol. 26, 1, pp. 53-59.TechnologyMoissanite
DS201501-0030
2014
Schmidt, M.W., Gao, C., Golubkova, A., Rohrbach, A., Connolly, J.A.D.Natural moissanite ( SiC) - a low temperature mineral formed from highly fractionated ultra-reducing COH-fluids.Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, Vol. 1, pp. 27-Moissanite
DS201506-0277
2015
Johnson, M.L.Colour grading of synthetic moissanite.The Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 34, 5, pp. 384-385.TechnologyMoissanite
DS201602-0201
2016
Di Pierro, S., Gnos, E.Ca-Al-silicate inclusions in natural moissanite ( SiC).American Mineralogist, Vol. 101, pp. 71-81.Europe, TurkeyMoissanite

Abstract: Hundred-micrometer-sized calcium-aluminum-silicates (CAS) inclusions occur in moissanite-4H, moissanite-15R, and moissanite-6H from Turkey. These inclusions commonly consist of tabular exsolution lamellae of two different minerals. By combined electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy analysis, at least eight different, essentially Mg- and Fe-free Ca-Al-silicate or Al-silicate phases have been discerned. The most common phase is dmisteinbergite, a hexagonal modification of CaAl2Si2O8, occurring in association with lamellae of Cax(Al,Si)1?xO3 or Ca1?x(Al,Si)2+xO5 compositions. All three phases contain significant amounts of BaO (up to 2 mol% of celsiane component in dmisteinbergite), SrO, SO3, and light rare earth elements (LREE). In particular, Ca1?x(Al,Si)2+xO5 contains up to 2.1 wt% of LREE, 3.9 wt% of F, and significant traces of Cl, while it is also associated to osbornite (TiN). Pure ghelenite, Ca2Al2SiO7, and three additional compositions, namely CaAl4-xSixO7, Ca1-x(Al,Si)3+xO6, and Ca3-x(Al,Si)6+xO14 have been found, either occurring as single grains or forming exsolution lamellae. They also contain significant amounts of BaO, SrO, SO3, and LREE. One last intriguing phase is composed in average of 65.9 wt% SiO2, 17.4% Al2O3, 3.0% alkalis, 6.0% BaO, 2.0% CaO+MgO, 0.9% ZrO2, and up to 0.5% LREE. Dmisteinbergite and ghelenite show Raman peaks in very good agreement with literature data, Cax(Al,Si)1-xO3 shows main Raman modes at 416 and 1009 cm?1, Ca1-x(Al,Si)3+xO6 at 531 and 1579 cm?1 while Ca3-x(Al,Si)6+xO14 has a strong peak at 553 cm?1. CaAl4-xSixO7 shows a weak Raman pattern, while Ca1-x(Al,Si)2+xO5 has no detectable Raman modes. Since the association moissanite-CAS is thermodynamically not stable at ambient pressure and moissanite crystals hosting the CAS phases have ?13C values typical of deep-mantle origin, we interpret the CAS inclusions as partially retrogressed HP minerals. Striking analogies exist between observed CAS compositions and experimentally obtained HP-HT mineralogy. For instance, Cax(Al,Si)1-xO3 contains up to 25 mol% of Al2O3, which is considered as the upper limit of alumina solubility in Ca-perovskite. The study confirms that CAS phases are an important mantle depository for large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and LREE.
DS201603-0381
2016
Griffin, W.L., Gain, S.E.M., Adams, D., Huang, J-X., Saunders, M.,Toledo, V., Pearson, N.J., O'Reilly, S.Y.Heaven on Earth: tistarite ( Ti203) and other nebular phases in corundum aggregates from Mt. Carmel volcanic rocks.Israel Geological Society, pp. 85-86. abstractEurope, IsraelMoissanite

Abstract: This ending talk, focused on the ongoing cooperative research of Prof. Griffin and his team at Macquarie University and Shefa Yamim, since January 2014, highlighting unique corundum species characteristics. Preliminary results of this research were presented in the IGS Annual Meeting of 2015, whereas this year Prof. Griffin has shared innovative findings only microscopically tracked within titanium-rich corundum aggregates. One of the more abundant minerals is Tistarite (Ti2O3), previously known only as a single grain in a primitive type of meteorite (!). An article has been submitted to a scientific journal detailing this first terrestrial occurrence. Several other minerals are common in meteorites, but unknown or extremely rare on Earth. About half of these minerals are unknown to science, and will be described as new minerals in the scientific literature. The first of these is a Titanium-Aluminium-Zirconium oxide, informally known as TAZ; it will be submitted to the International Mineralogical Association for recognition as a new mineral, ShefaTAZite. Using state of the art technologies such as Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Electron Microscopy Facility (EMF) that has three scanning electron microscopes, all with EBSD capability, and a transmission electron microscope - Prof. Griffin revealed spectacular imagery of minerals and rare compounds associated with titanium rich corundum aggregates.
DS201603-0382
2016
Griffin, W.L., Gain, S.E.M., Adams, D., Toledo, V., Pearson, N.J., O'Reilly, S.Y.Deep-Earth methane, mantle dynamics and mineral exploration: insights from northern Israel, southern Tibet and Kamchatka.Israel Geological Society, pp. 87-88. abstractEurope, Israel, TibetMoissanite
DS201603-0395
2015
Lian, D., Yang, J., Dilek, Y., Robinson, P.T., Wu, W., Wang, Y., Liu, F., Ding, Yi.Diamonds and moissanite from the aladag ophiolite of the eastern Tauride belt, southern Turkey: a final report.Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Vol. 47, 7, p. 163. abstractEurope, TurkeyMoissanite

Abstract: The Aladag ophiolite in the eastern Tauride belt, southern Turkey, is a well-preserved remnant of oceanic lithosphere. It consists of, in ascending order, harzburgitic to dunitic tectonites, ultramafic and mafic cumulates, isotropic gabbros, sheeted dikes and basaltic pillow lavas. Podiform chromitites are common in the mantle peridotites. Thus far, more than 200 grains of microdiamond and more than 100 grains of moissanite (SiC) have been separated from one sample of podiform chromitite. The microdiamonds occur mostly as subhedral to euhedral, colorless to pale yellow grains, about 50-300 ?m in size. Moissanite grains are generally subhedral, light blue to deep blue in color and variable in size. These grains of diamond and moissanite are very similar to in-situ grains in podiform chromitites of Tibet and the Polar Urals of Russia (Yang et al., 2014; 2015), indicating that they are natural minerals, not the result of natural or anthropogenic contamination. As reported elsewhere, the diamonds and moissanite are accompanied by a range of other minerals, including rutile, zircon, quartz and sulfides. The discovery of diamond, moissanite and other unusual minerals in the podiform chromitites of the Aladag massif provide additional evidence for the widespread occurrence of these minerals in ophiolites, indicating that they are related to global mantle processes.
DM201604-0685
2016
Diamonds.netGlobal moissanite market to grow to $ 49 m by 2025 as use in rings soar.Diamonds.net, Mar. 8, 1/4p.GlobalNews item - moissanite
DM201607-2622
2016
Republic of MiningIntroducing space diamonds: why you might want a moissanite engagement ring.Harpers Bazarr U.K., June 15, 1p.GlobalNews item - moissanite
DM201608-2650
2016
GlobesTop geologist: israel has major deposits of precious stones… and diamonds ( and moissanite). Prof. W. GriffinGlobes.co.il, Aug. 4, 2p.Europe, IsraelNews item - moissanite
DS201610-1865
2016
Griffin, W.L., Gain, S.E.M., Adams, D.T., Huang, J-X., Saunders, M., Toledo, V., Pearson, N.J., O'Reilly, S.Y.First terrestrial occurrence of tistarite ( Ti2O3): ultra-low oxygen fugacity in the upper mantle beneath Mount Carmel, Israel.Geology, Vol. 44, 10, pp. 815-818.Europe, IsraelMoissanite

Abstract: The minimum oxygen fugacity (fO2) of Earth's upper mantle probably is controlled by metal saturation, as defined by the iron-wüstite (IW) buffer reaction (FeO ? Fe + O). However, the widespread occurrence of moissanite (SiC) in kimberlites, and a suite of super-reduced minerals (SiC, alloys, native elements) in peridotites in Tibet and the Polar Urals (Russia), suggest that more reducing conditions (fO2 = 6-8 log units below IW) must occur locally in the mantle. We describe pockets of melt trapped in aggregates of corundum crystals ejected from Cretaceous volcanoes in northern Israel which contain high-temperature mineral assemblages requiring extremely low fO2 (IW < -10). One abundant phase is tistarite (Ti2O3), previously known as a single grain in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite (Mexico) and believed to have formed during the early evolution of the solar nebula. It is associated with other reduced phases usually found in meteorites. The development of super-reducing conditions in Earth's upper mantle may reflect the introduction of CH4 + H2 fluids from the deep mantle, specifically related to deep-seated volcanic plumbing systems at plate boundaries.
DS201705-0824
2017
Dobrzhinetskaya,L.F., Mukhin, P., Wang, Q., Sokhonchuk, T.Moissanite ( SiC) with metal-silicide and silicon inclusions from tuff of Israel: Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy studies.Lithos, Vol. 282, pp. 1-11.Asia, IsraelMoissanite

Abstract: Here, we present studies of natural SiC that occurs in situ in tuff related to the Miocene alkaline basalt formation deposited in northern part of Israel. Raman spectroscopy, SEM and FIB-assisted TEM studies revealed that SiC is primarily hexagonal polytypes 4H-SiC and 6H-SiC, and that the 4H-SiC polytype is the predominant phase. Both SiC polytypes contain crystalline inclusions of silicon (Sio) and inclusions of metal-silicide with varying compositions (e.g. Si58V25Ti12Cr3Fe2, Si41Fe24Ti20Ni7V5Zr3, and Si43Fe40Ni17). The silicides crystal structure parameters match Si2TiV5 (Pm-3 m space group, cubic), FeSi2Ti (Pbam space group, orthorhombic), and FeSi2 (Cmca space group, orthorhombic) respectively. We hypothesize that SiC was formed in a local ultra-reduced environment at respectively shallow depths (60-100 km), through a “desilification” reaction of SiO2 with highly reducing fluids (H2O-CH4-H2-C2H6) arisen from the mantle “hot spot” and passing through alkaline basalt magma reservoir. SiO2 (melt) interacting with the fluids may originate from the walls of the crustal rocks surrounding this magmatic reservoir. The “desilification” process led to the formation of SiC and the reduction of metal-oxides to native metals, alloys, and silicides. The latter were trapped by SiC during its growth. Hence, interplate “hot spot” alkali basalt volcanism can now be included as a geological environment where SiC, silicon, and silicides can be found.
DM201708-1806
2017
BloombergMoissanite - the diamond alternative at a tenth of the price that savvy brides to be are choosing.Malaysian news.com, July 3, 2p.TechnologyNews item - moissanite
DS201709-1999
2017
Huang, J-X., Xiong, Q., Griffin, W.L., Martin, L., Toledo, V., O'Reilly, S.Y.Moissanite in volcanic systems: super reduced conditions in the mantle.Goldschmidt Conference, abstract 1p.Mantlemoissanite

Abstract: Moissanite (SiC) occurs in mantle and mantle-generated rocks from different tectonic settings. SiC is stable only at low oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) ?IW. Israeli SiC is assiociated with corundum, Fe globules, native V and other phases in Cretaceous pyroclastic rocks from Mt Carmel and associated alluvial deposits[1]. The SiC grains contain inclusions of Si metal, FeSi2, FeTiSi2, FeAlSi2 and CaSi2+xSi2-x, which were liquids before being trapped during SiC crystallization. SiC has been found included in corundum, associated with Fe-Ti silicides, connecting the formation of SiC, reduced melts in corundum and conrundum itself. All grains are of the 6H polytype. ?13C ranges from - 32.1 to -24.5‰ and ?30Si from -0.68 to +1.42‰. These SiC grains are one product of the interaction of basaltic magma and mantle methane in a volcanic plumbing system. SiC crystallized from metallic melts that became immiscible during the reduction of the magma. Its low ?13C may reflect Rayleigh fractionation under reduced conditions; the variation in Si isotopes may reflect fractionation between SiC and immiscible metallic melts. SiC samples from the Udachnaya and Mir kimberlite pipes contain inclusions of Si metal, FeSi2, FeSi, FeTiSi2, Si(N,O). The SiC has ?13C ranging from -28.5 to -24.8‰, and ?30Si from -1.72 to +1.42‰. SiC from harzburgites, chromitites and pyroxenites of the Tibetan Zedang ophiolites have inclusions of Si metal and unmixed Fe-Ni-Ti-Si alloy. Their ?13C ranges from -30.6 to -24.7‰ and ?30Si from -0.85 to +1.26‰. SiC samples from these different settings show very similar characteristics, implying that they may be formed in similar mantle conditions, where the flux of mantle methane gradually reduces magmas and interacts with them to produce different reduced phases at different stages.
DS201710-2240
2017
Lian, D., Yang, J., Dilek, Y., Wu, W., Zhang, Z., Xiong, F., Liu, F., Zhou, W.Deep mantle origin and ultra-reducing conditions in podiform chromitite: diamonds, moissanite, and other unusual minerals in podiform chromitites from the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite, southern Turkey.Americam Mineralogist, Vol. 103, 5p.Europe, Turkeymoissanites

Abstract: The Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite situated in the eastern Tauride belt, southern Turkey, is a well-preserved oceanic lithosphere remnant comprising, in ascending order, mantle peridotite, ultramafic and mafic cumulates, isotropic gabbros, sheeted dikes, and basaltic pillow lavas. Two types of chromitites are observed in the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite. One type of chromitites occurs in the cumulate dunites around the Moho, and the other type of chromitites is hosted by the mantle harzburgites below the Moho. The second type of chromitites has massive, nodular, and disseminated textures. We have conducted the mineral separation work on the podiform chromitites hosted by harzburgites. So far, more than 100 grains of microdiamond and moissanite (SiC) have been recovered from the podiform chromitite. The diamonds and moissanite are accompanied by large amounts of rutile. Besides zircon, monazite and sulfide are also very common phases within the separated minerals. The discovery of diamond, moissanite, and the other unusual minerals from podiform chromitite of the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite provides new evidences for the common occurrences of these unusual minerals in ophiolitic peridotites and chromitites. This discovery also suggests that deep mantle processes and materials have been involved in the formation of podiform chromitite.
DS201710-2276
2017
Wiedenbeck, M., Lian, D.Secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses of diamond and moissanite in ophiolite.Acta Geologica Sinica, Vol. 91, s1, p.44 abstractEurope, Albaniamoissanites

Abstract: The Cameca 1280-HR large geometry SIMS instrument is a highly versatile analytical tool which can support a broad range of geochemical applications. Research using the Potsdam 1280 instrument focuses primarily on isotope ratio determinations in geomaterials. Optimized measurement protocols have already been established for ?18O determinations in zircon, and we are also working towards routine oxygen isotope determinations for quartz, calcite, mica, apatite and titanite. The primary challenge in developing such measurement systems are the identification and characterization of suitable reference materials (RMs), and this is made particularly challenging due to the matrix dependent ion yields of the SIMS ion source. Here we wish to report our progress towards establishing new analytical protocols for the determination of ?13C in both diamond and moissanite. In the case of diamond, our facility possesses three natural RMs with which we are able to produce data with a typical analytical repeatability of ?0.15 ‰ (1sd). An inter-comparison of our three diamond RMs demonstrates an overall data quality of better than 0.5‰ in terms of systematic offset between the various materials characterized using gas source mass spectrometry (Palot et al., 2012). A single such ?13C determination in diamond requires 80 s of data acquisition and involves a test portion mass of ?400 pg of material. In-house diamond reference materials for ?15N calibration allow us to measure this isotopic system to a total analytical uncertainty of ± 1.6 ‰ (1sd) at nitrogen concentrations reaching down to 250 ?g/g. Due to the relatively low abundance of nitrogen in diamonds, such isotope ratio determinations require around 9 minutes of data collection. With respect to ?13C determinations in moissanite, we use a kimberlitic SiC as calibrant (Mathez et al., 1995), on which we achieve a repeatability of ?0.2 ‰ (1sd) on a ?350 pg test portion mass. Total data acquisition time for such measurements is 80 s. We are currently in the process of developing a second moissanite RM based on a synthetic, coarse-grained powder. We will also investigate this new material for its ?30Si characteristics.
DS201710-2279
2017
Wu, W., Yang, J., Ma, C., Milushi, I., Lian, D., Tian, Y.Discovery and significance of diamonds and moissanites in chromitites within the Skenderbeu Massif of the Mirdita zone ophiolite, west Albania.Acta Geologica Sinica, Vol. 91, 3, pp. 882-897.Europe, Albaniamoissanites

Abstract: In recent years diamonds and other unusual minerals (carbides, nitrides, metal alloys and native elements) have been recovered from mantle peridotites and chromitites (both high-Cr chromitites and high-Al chromitites) from a number of ophiolites of different ages and tectonic settings. Here we report a similar assemblage of minerals from the Skenderbeu massif of the Mirdita zone ophiolite, west Albania. So far, more than 20 grains of microdiamonds and 30 grains of moissanites (SiC) have been separated from the podiform chromitite. The diamonds are mostly light yellow, transparent, euhedral crystals, 200-300 ?m across, with a range of morphologies; some are octahedral and cuboctahedron and others are elongate and irregular. Secondary electron images show that some grains have well-developed striations. All the diamond grains have been analyzed and yielded typical Raman spectra with a shift at ?1325 cm?1. The moissanite grains recovered from the Skenderbeu chromitites are mainly light blue to dark blue, but some are yellow to light yellow. All the analyzed grains have typical Raman spectra with shifts at 766 cm?1, 787 cm?1, and 967 cm?1. The energy spectrums of the moissanites confirm that the grains are composed entirely of silicon and carbon. This investigation expands the occurrence of diamonds and moissanites to Mesozoic ophiolites in the Neo-Tethys. Our new findings suggest that diamonds and moissanites are present, and probably ubiquitous in the oceanic mantle and can provide new perspectives and avenues for research on the origin of ophiolites and podiform chromitites.
DM201803-0519
2018
Diamonds.netGIA spots moissanite posing as rough diamond.diamonds.net, Feb. 11, 1/4p.TechnologyNews item - moissanite
DS201804-0691
2017
Gems & GemologySynthetic moissanite.Gems & Gemology Lab Notes, Vol. 53, 4, p. 462.Technologymoissanite
DS201805-0943
2018
Dobrzhinetskaya, L., Mukhin, P., wang, Q., Wirth, R., O'Bannon, E., Zhao, W., Eppelbaum, L., Sokhonchuk, T.Moissanite ( SiC) with metal silicide and silicon inclusions from tuff of Israel: raman spectroscopy and electron microscope studies.Lithos, in press available 58p.Europe, Israelmoissanite

Abstract: Here, we present studies of natural SiC that occurs in situ in tuff related to the Miocene alkaline basalt formation deposited in northern part of Israel. Raman spectroscopy, SEM and FIB-assisted TEM studies revealed that SiC is primarily hexagonal polytypes 4H-SiC and 6H-SiC, and that the 4H-SiC polytype is the predominant phase. Both SiC polytypes contain crystalline inclusions of silicon (Sio) and inclusions of metal-silicide with varying compositions (e.g. Si58V25Ti12Cr3Fe2, Si41Fe24Ti20Ni7V5Zr3, and Si43Fe40Ni17). The silicides crystal structure parameters match Si2TiV5 (Pm-3 m space group, cubic), FeSi2Ti (Pbam space group, orthorhombic), and FeSi2 (Cmca space group, orthorhombic) respectively. We hypothesize that SiC was formed in a local ultra-reduced environment at respectively shallow depths (60-100 km), through a "desilification" reaction of SiO2 with highly reducing fluids (H2O-CH4-H2-C2H6) arisen from the mantle "hot spot" and passing through alkaline basalt magma reservoir. SiO2 (melt) interacting with the fluids may originate from the walls of the crustal rocks surrounding this magmatic reservoir. The "desilification" process led to the formation of SiC and the reduction of metal-oxides to native metals, alloys, and silicides. The latter were trapped by SiC during its growth. Hence, interplate "hot spot" alkali basalt volcanism can now be included as a geological environment where SiC, silicon, and silicides can be found.
DS201808-1749
2018
Griffin, W.L., Huang, J-X., Thomassot, E., Gain, S.E.M., Toledo, V., O'Reilly, S.Y.Super-reducing conditions in ancient and modern volcanic systems: sources and behaviour of carbon-rich fluids in the lithospheric mantle ( Mt. Carmel).Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/s00710-018-0575-x 14p.Mantlemoissanite
DS201808-1766
2018
Machev, P., O'Bannon, E.F., Bozhilov, K.N., Wang, Q., Dobrzhinetskaya, L.Not all moissanites are created equal: new constraints on moissanite from metamorphic rocks of Bulgaria. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 498, pp. 387-396.Europe, Bulgariamoissanite

Abstract: Terrestrial moissanite (SiC) is widely reported as an ultra-high pressure mineral occurring in kimberlites, diamonds and ultramafic/mafic rocks of mantle origin. However, the conditions of crystallization remain largely unknown. Moreover, dozens of SiC occurrences have been reported from continental crust sources such as granitoids, andesite-dacite volcanic rocks and their breccia, metasomatic and metamorphic rocks, and even limestones. The validity of many of these reports is still debated primarily due to possible contaminations from the widespread use of synthetic SiC abrasives in samples preparation. Indeed, reports of well-documented in-situ occurrences of moissanite in association with co-existing minerals are still scarce. The only condition of moissanite formation that is agreed upon is that extremely reducing media are required (e.g. 4.5-6 log units below the iron-wustite buffer). Here, we report the new occurrence of moissanite that was found in-situ within the garnet-staurolite-mica schists of Topolovgrad metamorphic group of Triassic age in Southern Bulgaria. The 10-300 ?m moissanite crystals are situated within 0.1-1.2 mm isolated clusters, filled with amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline graphite. Most of moissanite crystals are 15R (rhombohedral) and 6H (hexagonal) polytypes, and one prismatic crystal, found within them, exhibits unusual concentric polytypical zoning with core (15R), intermediate zone (6H) and rim (3C-cubic). Experimental data show that this type of polytypical zonation is likely due to a decrease in temperature (or/and pressure?) and changes in Si/C ratio. Indeed, amphibolite facies metamorphism (500-580?°C - garnet-staurolite zone) followed by a subsequent cooling during the retrograde stage of green schist facies metamorphism (?400-500?°C) could have provided a change in temperature. The SiC containing clusters exhibit evidence that they are pre-metamorphic, and we hypothesize that their protolith was a "lack shale" material likely rich in carbon, hydrocarbon and terrigenous silica. The latter served as a source of isolated chemically-reduced media, which is required for SiC formation. Other concepts to explain moissanite occurrences in metasedimentary rocks are also discussed. Importantly, our findings show that the formation conditions of moissanite are likely more variable than previously recognized.
DS201808-1790
2017
Stan, C.V., Obannon, E.F., Dobrzhinetskaya, L.F., Tamura, N.Polytypism in natural SiC using Laue microdiffraction.Acta Crystallographia, A70, 1p. abstractEurope, Israelmoissanite

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC, moissanite) is a common industrial material that is rarely found in terrestrial rocks and meteorites. It has been found to adopt over 300 different crystal structures, most of which are polytypic: they consist of alternating layers of Si and C, with only small stacking faults or shears distinguishing them from one another. In nature, only a few polytypes of SiC have been found, primarily a cubic zincblende type (3C-SiC), several hexagonal wurtzite types (4H-SiC and 6H-SiC), and a rhombohedral type (15R-SiC). Our natural silicon carbide sample is from a Miocene tuff (Yizre’el Valley, Israel) related to interplate alkaline basalt volcanism. Three SiC grains with native silicon and metal silicide inclusions were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron Laue X-ray microdiffraction accompanied by mapping at a 5-8 um resolution. SiC is found to crystallize in only the 4H and 6H polytypes. Due to the crystal orientation of the grains, as well as the significant difference in the c-axis length (~10 vs. ~15 um in 4H and 6H respectively), we were able to unambiguously assign polytypes to each diffraction pattern. Each grain contains large areas where one polytype dominates as a single crystal. In some cases, multiple stacking faults and misoriented polycrystalline aggregates of SiC occur at the 4H/6H interface. In other cases we see intercalation of the 4H and 6H crystals throughout the diffracting volume without a significant change in their crystallographic axes orientation, pointing to a possibly incommensurate crystal structure. Stress and strain are also mapped for all three grains, showing a slight (< 2 ppt) compressive strain in the y direction of all three grains, and a tensile strain in the x and z directions. In the SiC-2 grain, a mostly single-crystalline Si inclusion was found, with an exposed surface diameter of ~30 um. We examine residual strain in Si by both Laue X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and find results to generally agree between the two measurements.
DS201810-2324
2018
Griffin, W.L., Howell, D., Gonzalez-Jimenez, J.M., Xiong, Q.., O'Reilly, S.Y.Comment: Ultra high pressure and ultra reduced minerals in ophiolites may form by lightning strikes. Super Reduced Minerals SURGeochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 7, pp. 1-2.Mantlemoissanite

Abstract: Ballhaus et al. (2017) use electric-discharge experiments to argue that lightning strikes could produce ultra-high pressure (UHP) and super-reduced (SuR) phases "identical to those found in 'high-pressure' ophiolites" and that thus there is "not sufficient evidence to challenge long-established models of ophiolite genesis", specifically for the UHP processing of Tibetan ophiolites. However, the authors produced no evidence for UHP phases in their experiments. There are pertinent observations, relevant to the authors’ assertions, in the literature regarding the relationship between the UHP and SuR assemblages in the Tibetan peridotites. Their conclusions are not consistent with this evidence.
DS201810-2325
2018
Gromilov, S.A., Afanasiev, V.P., Poikhilenko. N.P.Moissanites of the Popigai astrobleme.Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 481, 2, pp. 997-999.Russiamoissanite

Abstract: Moissanites were found in tagamites of the Popigai meteorite crater along with impact diamonds. We have studied 55 samples including 49 individual polytypes and six intergrowths. The numbers of 6H, 15R, 4H, 6H/15R, and 6H/4H polytypes are 82, 7, 5, 4, and 2%, respectively. By the assemblage of polytypes, the moissanites of the Popigai astrobleme are distinct from kimberlite moissanites, as well as from synthetic SiC, which is characterized by the absence of the 4H polytype and the presence of more diverse inclusions (including Fe-bearing). The Popigai astrobleme is one of few objects with reliable natural moissanite. Technogenic contamination is excluded, since any researcher can find this mineral in tagamites.
DS201810-2390
2018
Yang, J.S., Trumball, R.B., Robinson, P.T., Xiong, F.H., Lian, D.Y.Comment: Ultra high pressure and ultra reduced minerals in ophiolites may form by lightning strikes. Super Reduced Minerals SURGeochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 8, pp. 6-7.Mantlemoissanite
DS201812-2856
2019
Nazzarini, S., Nestola, F., Zanon, V., Bindi, L., Scricciolo, E., Petrelli, M., Zanatta, M., Mariotto, G., Giuli, G.Discovery of moissanite in a peralkaline syenite from the Azores Islands.Lithos, Vol. 324-325, pp. 68-73.Europe, Portugal, Azoresmoissanite

Abstract: Our discovery of moissanite grains in a peralkaline syenite from the Água de Pau Volcano (São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal) represents the first report of this mineral in present day oceanic geodynamic settings. Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction show the presence of both the 6H and 4H polytypes with the predominance of the first one. The distribution of trace elements is homogeneous, except for Al and V. Azorean moissanite often hosts rounded inclusions of metallic Si and other not yet identified metallic alloys. A process involving a flushing of CH4-H2 ultra-reducing fluids in the alkaline melts might be considered as a possible mechanism leading to the formation of natural SiC, thus calling for strongly reducing conditions that were locally met in the crust-mantle beneath the São Miguel Island.
DM201812-3063
2018
SolomonStarThe world's biggest crsytal natural moissanite discovery in Malaita province. East Kwararaesolomonstarnews.com, Nov. 30, 2p.Asia, Solomon Islands, MalaitaNews item - moissanite
DS201902-0302
2019
Nazzarini, S., Nestola, F.,Zanon, V., Bindi, L., Giuli, G.Discovery of moissanite in a peralkaline syenite from the Azores Islands.Lithos, Vol. 324, pp. 68-73.Europe, Portugal, Azoresmoissanite

Abstract: Our discovery of moissanite grains in a peralkaline syenite from the Água de Pau Volcano (São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal) represents the first report of this mineral in present day oceanic geodynamic settings. Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction show the presence of both the 6H and 4H polytypes with the predominance of the first one. The distribution of trace elements is homogeneous, except for Al and V. Azorean moissanite often hosts rounded inclusions of metallic Si and other not yet identified metallic alloys. A process involving a flushing of CH4-H2 ultra-reducing fluids in the alkaline melts might be considered as a possible mechanism leading to the formation of natural SiC, thus calling for strongly reducing conditions that were locally met in the crust-mantle beneath the São Miguel Island.
DS201904-0765
2018
Pakhomova, V.A., Fedoseev, D.G., Kultenko, S.Y., Karabtsov, A.A., Tishkina, V.B., Solyanik, V.A., Kamynin, V.A.Synthetic moissanite coated with diamond film imitating rough diamond.Gems & Gemology, Vol. 54, 4, 4p.Russiamoissanite
DM201910-2317
2019
BEE TribuneMoissanite market: Charles & Colvard Ltd. (U.S.) and Moissanite International ( Australia) report transparency marketresearch.com, Sept. 1p.GlobalNews item - moissanite
DS202004-0535
2020
Stan, C.V., O'Bannon III, E.F., Mukhin, P., Tamura, N., Dobrzhinetskaya, L.X-ray laue microdiffraction and raman spectroscopic investigation of natural silicon and moissanite.Minerals MDPI, Vol. 10, 10030204 12p. PdfGlobalmoissanite

Abstract: Moissanite, SiC, is an uncommon accessory mineral that forms under low oxygen fugacity. Here, we analyze natural SiC from a Miocene tuff-sandstone using synchrotron Laue microdiffraction and Raman spectroscopy, in order to better understand the SiC phases and formation physics. The studied crystals of SiC consist of 4H- and 6H-SiC domains, formed from either, continuous growth or, in one case, intergrown, together with native Si. The native Si is polycrystalline, with a large crystal size relative to the analytical beam dimensions (>1-2 ?m). We find that the intergrown region shows low distortion or dislocation density in SiC, but these features are comparatively high in Si. The distortion/deformation observed in Si may have been caused by a mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the two materials. Raman spectroscopic measurements are discussed in combination with our Laue microdiffraction results. Our results suggest that these SiC grains likely grew from an igneous melt.
DM202011-2106
2020
Globe & MailA faux diamond in the rough? Charles & Covards's revenue has been stagnant .. Making moves for turnaround - moissanite.Globe&mail.com , Sept. 30, 1p.United States, North CarolinaNews item - moissanite
DM202102-0270
2021
EcomoissaniteLaunched new 2021 collection of fine jewellery designs. Syntheticsecomoissnite.com, https://www.digitaljournal. com/pr/4936175 #ixzz6jGwWqXB8GlobalNews item - moissanite
DS202106-0965
2021
Pujol-Sola, N., Dominguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Haissen, F., Ikenne, M., Gonzales-Jiminez, J.M., Colas, V., Maacha, L., Garcia-Casco, A.The chromitites of the Neoproterozoic Bou Azzer ophiolite ( central Anti-Atlas, Morocco) revisited.Ore Geology Reviews, Vol. 134, 104166, 24p. PdfAfrica, Moroccomoissanite

Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Bou Azzer ophiolite in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas Panafrican belt hosts numerous chromitite orebodies within the peridotite section of the oceanic mantle. The chromitites are strongly affected by serpentinization and metamorphism, although they still preserve igneous relicts amenable for petrogenetic interpretation. The major, minor and trace element composition of unaltered chromite cores reveal two compositional groups: intermediate-Cr (Cr# = 0.60 - 0.74) and high-Cr (Cr# = 0.79 - 0.84) and estimates of parental melt compositions suggest crystallization from pulses of fore-arc basalts (FAB) and boninitic melts, respectively, that infiltrated the oceanic supra-subduction zone (SSZ) mantle. A platinum group elements (PGE) mineralization dominated by Ir-Ru-Os is recognized in the chromitites, which has its mineralogical expression in abundant inclusions of Os-Ir alloys and coexisting magmatic laurite (RuS2) and their products of metamorphic alteration. Unusual mineral phases in chromite, not previously reported in this ophiolite, include super-reduced and/or nominally ultra-high pressure minerals moissanite (SiC), native Cu and silicates (oriented clinopyroxene lamellae), but “exotic” zircon and diaspore have also been identified. We interpret that clinopyroxene lamellae have a magmatic origin, whereas super-reduced phases originated during serpentinization processes and diaspore is linked to late circulation of low-silica fluids related to rodingitization. Zircon grains, on the other hand, with apatite and serpentine inclusions, could either have formed after the interaction of chromitite with mantle-derived melts or could represent subducted detrital sediments later incorporated into the chromitites. We offer a comparison of the Bou Azzer chromitites with other Precambrian ophiolitic chromitites worldwide, which are rather scarce in the geological record. The studied chromitites are very similar to the Neoproterozoic chromitites reported in the Arabian-Nubian shield, which are also related to the Panafrican orogeny. Thus, we conclude that the Bou Azzer chromitites formed in a subduction-initiation geodynamic setting with two-stages of evolution, with formation of FAB-derived intermediate-Cr chromitites in the early stage and formation of boninite-derived high-Cr chromitites in the late stage.
DM202110-1651
2021
Augusta Free PressExplore the variations between moissanite vs. diamond.Augusta Free Press, Sept. 9, 1/4p.GlobalNews item - moissanite
DM202111-1799
2021
Bates, R.The term "diamond simulant" is confusing and should be banned.jckonline.com, Oct. 20, 3p.GlobalNews item - moissanite, cubic-zirconia

 
 

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