The mineral moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater. At first, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds, but in 1904 he identified the crystals as silicon carbide. Naturally occurring Moissanite is extremely rare and can’t be found in nature in large enough quantities. Artificial silicon carbide has since been synthesized in the lab.
Moissanite is often used as a diamond alternative because of its durability, superior fire and brilliance appearance at an affordable price tag.