b) How do you think the index of refraction would compare to a diamond. Would the index be higher or lower than diamond? Justify your answer. (3 marks)

Diamond has one of the highest refractive indices of any naturally occurring transparent material, around 2.42. Moissanite, a silicon carbide (SiC) crystal, has a refractive index ranging from approximately 2.65 to 2.69, depending on the specific composition and crystal structure.<br /><br />Therefore, the index of refraction of moissanite is *higher* than that of diamond. This is because the atoms in moissanite are arranged in a crystal lattice structure that interacts with light more strongly than the carbon atoms in a diamond lattice, causing a greater degree of bending (refraction) when light passes through the material. The higher refractive index leads to greater brilliance and "fire" (the dispersion of light into spectral colors) in moissanite compared to diamond.<br />