moissanite

[ moi-suh-nahyt, -zuh- ]

noun

1. a rare, naturally occurring form of silicon carbide found in meteoric iron.
2. silicon carbide grown in a laboratory, especially as a diamond alternative.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moissanite¹

First recorded in 1900–05; Moissan ( def ) + -ite ¹( def )