Is Moissanite as Good as A Diamond?

July 08, 2024 at 15:46 PM EDT

While commonly referred to as “moissanite diamond,” moissanite is not a real diamond. Naturally occurring moissanite is even more scarce than diamonds, having only been discovered in meteorites and upper mantle rocks.

So, to create lab-grown moissanite stones, experts use a high-tech technique that resembles nature’s method.

The technique involves heating silicon carbide powder to a controlled temperature until it changes into a gas, which allows moissanite to form over several months. Because the process is difficult and time-consuming, the number of moissanite stones that can be produced is restricted, boosting their value.

If you are looking to buy Moissanite jewelry, you must be wondering whether it’s as good as a diamond. The good thing is that it’s as good, if not better.

Moissanite provides brilliance and durability equivalent to diamonds, making it an excellent alternative.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a mineral made up of silicon carbide. Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan discovered it in 1893 inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, and it is now known as the “gemstone from the stars.”

Moissan first misidentified his discovery as diamonds, but it wasn’t until 1904 that he realized the crystals were indeed silicon carbide. Moissanite, a naturally occurring mineral type, was later called after Moissan.

Moissanite in its native form is extremely rare. Geologists discovered it outside of meteorites in 1958, first in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming and then the following year as inclusions in Russian rock.

Today, moissanite is grown only in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. It was created in a controlled setting using advanced technology, is easily traceable, and does not require mining. This means that moissanite has a lower carbon footprint and less environmental impact than a natively mined stone.

Moissanite, an increasingly popular alternative to diamonds, is now commonly used in jewelry, particularly as the central stone of engagement rings.

Is a Moissanite a Diamond?

No, moissanite is not a diamond. As mentioned above, professionals cultivate them in laboratories. While they resemble diamonds superficially, their composition is completely different. Moissanites are made up of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of carbon.

While the untrained eye may consider moissanite to be comparable to a diamond, it has a greater refractive index, which means it produces more rainbow ‘fire’ when light strikes its surface.

Diamond is also physically harder than moissanite, which has a Mohs hardness value of 9.25, as opposed to a diamond’s rating of 10.

Moissanites and diamonds have dispersion and scintillation and are both considered good thermal conductors, but they are not the same thing.

How to tell a moissanite from a diamond

It might be difficult to tell the difference between diamond and moissanite if you are not taught to do so.

To tell the difference, line up two similar-sized gemstones, one moissanite and one diamond, and compare them side by side.

A diamond will have a distinctive sparkle that is the result of a unique combination of reflected light, refracting colors, and scintillation.

While moissanite exhibits light reflection, color refraction, and scintillation, it also has more than twice as much ‘fire’ as diamonds, resulting in more intense flashes of rainbow light.

This ‘disco ball’ look, which is more noticeable in moissanite with higher carat weights, is the most effective way to tell the difference between moissanite and diamond.

To be sure that you are buying the right piece, consult a skilled specialist who will help you confirm the difference between a moissanite and a diamond. They will help you determine whether your stone is a moissanite or a diamond by looking at the ‘doubling’ of opposing facet junctions under a loupe.

Why choose moissanite over diamond?

Diamond has been around for a long time, and it’s highly popular. Due to this, you might be wondering why you should buy a moissanite piece of jewelry over a diamond, right? Well, there are a number of reasons you can do it:

Affordability: Moissanite is substantially cheaper than diamond of similar size and grade. This means that you get to invest in a magnificent piece of jewelry without breaking the budget.

More sparkle: Moissanite has a greater refractive index than a true diamond, indicating more brightness, brilliance, and fire. This gives moissanite the same (or greater) glitter as diamonds at a fraction of the cost.

More sustainable: Moissanite is grown in laboratories in a sustainable and ethical manner, eliminating the need for environmentally damaging mining techniques associated with natural diamonds.

More ethical: Lab-grown moissanite is free of the ethical issues that are frequently connected with diamond mining, such as human rights violations, environmental damage, and conflict in diamond trading.

Choosing moissanite allows you to wear your jewelry with a clean conscience, knowing that your ring is ethically sourced and environmentally conscious.

How do you select the right moissanite?

While buying a moissanite is similar to shopping for any other gemstone, there are a few factors to consider.

Unlike diamonds, which are rated by independent institutes on cut, color, clarity, and carat, moissanites are only evaluated for cut, color, and clarity.

They are then classed as Premium or Super Premium. A Premium moissanite is comparable to a G-H color diamond, while a Super Premium moissanite is in the D-E-F range. Moissanite grade varies a little since the technology used to make them is so advanced.

Finally, examine whether moissanite is the correct gemstone for you. To assess whether it is the best suit for you, consider its differences from diamonds. You should compare fire, scintillation, price, and durability.

Parting shot

If you have been wondering whether moissanite is as good as diamond, yes, it is. It can even be better because it’s cheaper and provides the same levels of toughness and durability.

While this is the case, you should be cautious when making the purchase. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you are buying your moissanite from a reputable store.

This way, you are sure that you are buying a high quality piece of jewelry.

When you get your moissanite, take good care of it by cleaning it frequently or avoiding wearing it when swimming, sleeping, or doing manual tasks.

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