Fifty thousand years ago, when a meteorite crashed into the Arizona desert, fragments of it were scattered across the desert. Dr. Henri Moissan began studying the fragments of this meteorite in nearby Diablo Canyon. The fragments of shimmering material were found in minute quantities; these fragments had a fire and brilliance never seen on earth. After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that the mineral was made of silicon carbide.
In 1905, Tiffany & Co., with the help of gem expert and mineralogist, George Kunz, suggested that this new jewel should be called Moissanite in Dr. Moissan’s honor. Although this is a great discovery, this material occurs naturally in very small quantities. It took a whole century before this mineral emerged as a brilliant jewel and was used in making rings. These rings increasingly gained popularity alongside diamond rings. In the 1980’s, CREE, a North Carolina company developed a process to produce large single crystals of Moissanite. In 1995, a master diamond cutter suggested if this stone were properly cut, the crystals would become a brilliant new jewel which could be sold alongside diamond rings. Scientists from CREE and eventually Charles & Colvard chose to bring fire and brilliance to the Moissanite jewels. And along with diamond rings, Moissanite rings are now gaining popularity because of their brilliant look and affordability.
If you thought that Moissanite rings are the only place you’d find a use for this wonderful material, you will be surprised. The extraordinary properties of Moissanite go beyond the jewelry. It has changed many things in the world today:
Body armor: Pinnacle Armor, a California-based company that manufactures military-grade body armor called “Dragon Skin.” It comprises discs of Moissanite. The Dragon Skin body armor is well known to withstand grenade blasts and up to 40 rounds of ammunition. This armor has been worn by many military and defense agencies in the US.
Abrasive: Moissanite is a popular abrasive because of its durability. In manufacturing, it is used for processes like grinding, honing, water-jet cutting, and sandblasting. Particles of silicon carbide are stuck on to paper to create sandpapers and the grip tape on skateboards.
Automobile parts in high-performance luxury cars: The Moissanite is used to create high-performance “ceramic” brake discs that withstand extreme temperatures. The silicon carbide reacts with the graphite to become a carbon fiber that reinforces the silicon carbide (C/SiC). These discs are used for sports cars, such as Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and some Audis.
LED Light bulbs: Moissanite is made of silicon carbide which is used to create LED light bulbs. CREE Inc. makes the raw gem very precious. The Moissanite crystals used by Charles & Colvard helps make retain their position as a world leader in LED light manufacturing and research and development.
Astronomy: The Herschel Space Observatory telescope was launched in 2009. It is the largest space telescope ever and it carries a single mirror that is 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) in diameter and is made of polycrystalline Moissanite. It is hard, tough, and a very good thermal conductor, hence Moissanite makes an ideal mirror for astronomical telescopes.
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The pros and cons of electric wheelchairs
Read moreWheelchairs are one the most commonly used mobility aid by disabled individuals. Not only disable, but a huge population of senior adults is able to live an independent life due to wheelchairs. If you use a wheelchair or know of somebody who does, you will understand the difference it makes to easy mobility. While traditional manual wheelchairs have been the rage for the longest time, electric wheelchairs are now becoming the preferred option.
Electric wheelchairs do not require manual effort in order move. These employ an electric motor and battery, thus, easily driven at the touch of a button. Several people who are unable to walk find it extremely exhausting to make use of their hands while operating a manual wheelchair. Moreover, manual wheelchairs may also require assistance when out and about. Electric wheelchairs are much more stable built and can help in traveling long distances as well. In most cases, electric wheelchairs are foldable and can thus, be easily tucked inside a closet or car trunk. Like every other thing, electric wheelchairs come with their own set of pros and cons. The pros are as follows:
Joystick control – Electric wheelchairs make movement an easy ride. All electric wheelchairs come with a joystick control that is attached to arm rest. A press of a button and the wheelchair moves as per your convenience. It also comes with direction control letting you move to the left or right direction as and when you like.
Lightweight design – Electric wheelchairs are a designed in a more lightweight body. The element and materials used are more compact. However, this also depends on the type of style and size that you choose.
Long travel distance – For people who travel outdoor on a daily basis, electric wheelchairs are a real boon. Manual wheelchairs move at a slower pace and require more effort to move. Electric wheelchairs, on the other hand, need almost no effort to move. Also, they can be driven at higher speeds depending on preference.
Can handle tough terrain – The sturdy built of electric wheelchairs make them perfect for travel on rough terrain. One does not have to be afraid of the wheelchair not being able to move or toppling. The uneven ground base or mushy soft grass land, these wheelchairs can handle it all.
The cons that come with electric wheelchairs include:
Battery charge – Electric wheelchairs work on battery and electric motors which mean that it has to be charged after a while. Moreover, the battery may have to be changed after every few months.
Regular maintenance – It is important to maintain and care for electric wheelchairs or they may become unsafe to use.
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Stylish washer and dryer set in stainless steel style
Read moreWashers, dryers, and other appliances have come a long way from being just machines and appliances that make household chores easier to becoming elements that match the overall style of one’s home. These are now available in colors and designs to suit every style.
One such style when it comes to washers, dryers, and a few other appliances is the stainless steel finished look. These are stunning to look at and add an edgy look to whichever part of your home you place these in.
If you are in the market for a new LG washer and dryer, you might be left in awe of how many stylish options there are in the stainless steel finish. Here are some details about such stylish stainless finished Samsung and LG washer and dryer sets.
LG 4.5 cu.ft. Front Load Washer & 7.4 cu.ft. Gas Steam Dryer
This bundle includes the LG 4.5cu. ft. WM3770HVA front load washer and the LG DLGX3571 dryer both of which offer great performance. This LG washer and dryer set is available in the Graphite Steel finish and is a stylish bundle. The washer’s 4.5 cubic feet wash drum lets you complete your laundry in no time as it can wash large loads at a time.
The model has the LG TurboWash feature that lets you wash your clothes clean in lesser time. You can save up to half an hour using this feature when doing your laundry as the feature lets you speed up the washing process without affecting the quality of cleaning. The washers also come with the ColdWash feature that offers the results of clothes washed in cold water that is as clean as those washed with warm water, saving a lot of power. The 6 Motion cleaning technology offers you ultra clean clothes that are wrinkle free, thanks to the magic steam mechanism in the washer.
The gas dryer included in this LG washer and dryer set matches up to the brilliant performance of the washer and tackles large loads of laundry equally well. The dryer is also available in an electric variant that can be purchased instead of the gas one in this LG washer and dryer bundle.
Samsung 4.2cu. ft. Front-Load Washer & 7.5cu. ft. Front-Load Dryer
This stainless steel style washer and dryer bundle from Samsung is as stylish as the LG washer and dryer set mentioned above. This bundle comes with a black stainless steel look and includes the Samsung WF42H5200AP 4.2cu. ft. Front-Load washer and the Samsung DV42H5200EP 7.5cu. ft. Electric dryer.
There is also an option of choosing the gas dryer, but that costs more than the combo with the electric dryer. The washer and dryer set has great exteriors and an equally good performance. The washer can take care of cleaning large loads of clothes in a single run and that too with a noise-free operation.
The washer and dryer both have easy to use controls that are set in a stunning control panel. This bundle has been designed keeping in mind the busy schedules of households and offers the Smart Care feature that lets you operate the washer and dryer with your smartphone. And you can be assured of fresh clothes anytime you want with the SteamFresh feature.
Cross check the area in your laundry room and the dimensions of the Samsung and LG washer and dryer set before you buy either of them to ensure that the bundle fits well in your home.