Moissanite exists in extremely small quantities only in certain types of meteorites and corundum deposits. Most silicon carbide sold worldwide, including moissanite jewelry, is synthetic.
In 1893, Moissan first discovered naturally occurring silicon carbide in a meteorite in Arizona, naming the material moissanite in 1905. However, Dr. Moissan's discovery was initially questioned because his samples may have been contaminated by silicon carbide saw blades already on the market at the time.
Silicon carbide is rare on Earth but common in space. Silicon carbide found in space and meteorites is mostly β-SiC. Analysis of SiC grains found in the Murchison meteorite showed an unusual carbon and silicon isotope ratio, indicating that these grains originated outside the solar system.
