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Natural diamonds have been the top choice for engagement rings because they shine brightly and are very strong. But now, moissanite is becoming a popular and cheaper option, so many people want to know the differences between the two.
We have the answers if you’re curious about what makes natural diamonds different from moissanite. Keep reading to learn more about these two gems.
In this Article
- What is Moissanite?
- The Journey of Moissanite
- Comparing Moissanite and Diamond Side-by-Side
- Deciding between Moissanite and Diamond
- Moissanite vs Diamond FAQs
- What is a Diamond?
- Is Moissanite a Diamond?
- How to Identify Moissanite from Diamonds
- Conclusion
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a favorite choice for those looking for a diamond alternative. It’s strong, affordable, and has a rainbow-like sparkle because of how it reflects light. Even though it looks like a diamond and shines just as brightly, moissanite is a diamond look-alike.
What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a naturally occurring crystal composed mainly of carbon, celebrated for its remarkable hardness, brilliance, and stunning visual qualities. These precious stones are either mined from underground deposits or extracted through various diamond mining methods, after which they are cut and polished to maximize their brilliance.
In addition to natural formation, diamonds can also be created in laboratories to meet the same specifications as their natural counterparts.
Diamonds are highly prized in jewelry for their rarity, durability, and symbolic meaning, often representing love and commitment.
The Journey of Moissanite
Moissanite’s history is a captivating story of scientific discovery and cosmic wonder. In 1893, the French chemist Dr. Henri Moissan, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering research, made a remarkable discovery. While analyzing rock samples from a meteor crater in the Arizona desert, Dr. Moissan encountered tiny crystals he initially thought were diamonds. However, further investigation revealed that these crystals were made of silicon carbide, a compound previously unknown in nature. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, and it took another century before a company developed a unique process to create large moissanite crystals. This innovation made these exquisite gems more available and affordable.
In contrast, diamonds have a much longer history, with the earliest mining dating back to the 4th century BC in India. Experts believe that some of the oldest diamond deposits formed around 900 million years ago. Throughout the ages, diamonds have been revered globally as symbols of wealth, power, and eternal love.
In contrast, diamonds have a much longer history, with the earliest mining dating back to the 4th century BC in India. Experts believe that some of the oldest diamond deposits formed around 900 million years ago. Throughout the ages, diamonds have been revered globally as symbols of wealth, power, and eternal love.
Is Moissanite a Diamod?
No, moissanite is not a diamond. Moissanites are grown in labs because they look similar to diamonds but are made of silicon carbide, unlike diamonds that are made of carbon.
Moissanites are considered “diamond simulants” or synthetic diamonds. They mimic the appearance of diamonds but don’t have the same chemical and physical properties. Other examples of synthetic diamonds are Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and white gemstones like Sapphire, Topaz, and Quartz.
While moissanite may look like a diamond to some people, it has a higher refractive index, which means it shows more colorful ‘fire’ when light hits it compared to diamonds. Diamonds are harder than moissanite, scoring 10 on the hardness scale, while moissanite scores 9.25.
Most people can tell a diamond simulant apart from a real diamond because simulants sparkle differently and their facets aren’t as sharp. Despite these differences, both moissanite and diamond exhibit dispersion, scintillation, and good thermal conductivity, yet they have distinct chemical and physical characteristics.
Moissanites are considered “diamond simulants” or synthetic diamonds. They mimic the appearance of diamonds but don’t have the same chemical and physical properties. Other examples of synthetic diamonds are Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and white gemstones like Sapphire, Topaz, and Quartz.
While moissanite may look like a diamond to some people, it has a higher refractive index, which means it shows more colorful ‘fire’ when light hits it compared to diamonds. Diamonds are harder than moissanite, scoring 10 on the hardness scale, while moissanite scores 9.25.
Most people can tell a diamond simulant apart from a real diamond because simulants sparkle differently and their facets aren’t as sharp. Despite these differences, both moissanite and diamond exhibit dispersion, scintillation, and good thermal conductivity, yet they have distinct chemical and physical characteristics.
Comparing Moissanite and Diamond Side-by-Side
| Feature | Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Top-quality diamonds look icy white. Lower grades might have a slight yellow tinge, especially in bigger stones. | Moissanite can be colorless like diamonds, but it might have a faint gray, brown, or even green tint, especially in some light. This gets more noticeable in larger moissanites. |
| Clarity | Diamonds come in many clarities. The clearest ones are rare and expensive, but some with tiny flaws still look great without costing as much. | Moissanite is usually made in labs so it has almost no flaws. It’s easier to find a flawless moissanite than a flawless diamond, but some people care more about color and sparkle. |
| Sparkle | Diamonds are famous for their bright white sparkle with some flashes of color. No fake diamond can sparkle exactly like a real one. | Moissanite sparkles more like a rainbow, with lots of colorful flashes. This sparkle can be a giveaway that it’s not a diamond, especially in bigger stones. |
| Toughness | Diamonds are the undisputed champions of hardness, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. They can scratch almost anything! | Moissanite is a very tough gem, but not quite as tough as a diamond. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can resist scratches from most everyday materials. |
| Price Tag | Diamonds are traditionally more expensive than moissanite. They can also hold their value well over time, making them a potential investment. | Moissanite offers a budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. However, it typically isn’t appreciated as much. |
| Ethics | The Kimberley Process helps ensure most mined diamonds today are conflict-free. Lab-grown diamonds are another ethical choice. | Moissanite is always lab-created, guaranteeing it’s conflict-free and doesn’t involve mining. |
How to Identify Moissanite from Diamonds
It can be challenging to distinguish moissanite from diamonds at a glance, as both gems look very similar. However, experts use a few key factors to tell them apart:
Moissanite displays more colorful flashes of light, known as fire, compared to diamonds.
Both moissanite and diamonds can appear colorless, but moissanite might show hints of yellow or green in certain lighting, especially in larger stones. Truly colorless diamonds are very rare and expensive.
Moissanite has a higher double refractive index than diamonds, which means it can sometimes look like it has double facets when viewed from certain angles.
Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite displays more colorful flashes of light, known as fire, compared to diamonds.
Color
Both moissanite and diamonds can appear colorless, but moissanite might show hints of yellow or green in certain lighting, especially in larger stones. Truly colorless diamonds are very rare and expensive.
Double Refraction
Moissanite has a higher double refractive index than diamonds, which means it can sometimes look like it has double facets when viewed from certain angles.
Deciding between Moissanite and Diamond
When deciding between moissanite and diamond, it’s important to weigh their respective attributes in terms of beauty, cost, durability, and environmental impact. Both gemstones are highly regarded for their distinct qualities, making them popular choices for jewelry, especially engagement rings.
Moissanite gemstones are celebrated for their exceptional brilliance and sparkle. They exhibit a higher refractive index compared to diamonds, resulting in a more dazzling play of light. If you value a stone that radiates fiery brilliance, moissanite could be an ideal option. Moissanite comes in various cuts, including brilliant, oval, cushion, and round, offering a wide range of choices to suit individual tastes.
In terms of durability, both moissanite and diamond are well-suited for daily wear. Diamonds are renowned for their hardness, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite ranks close behind at 9.25. This hardness ensures that both stones are highly resistant to scratches and can endure the rigors of everyday use.
One notable advantage of moissanite over diamonds is its affordability. Moissanite gemstones are generally less expensive than diamonds, making them a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Being lab-created, moissanite prices do not escalate drastically with size, allowing purchasers to opt for larger, high-quality stones at a fraction of the cost of diamonds.
Moissanite gemstones are celebrated for their exceptional brilliance and sparkle. They exhibit a higher refractive index compared to diamonds, resulting in a more dazzling play of light. If you value a stone that radiates fiery brilliance, moissanite could be an ideal option. Moissanite comes in various cuts, including brilliant, oval, cushion, and round, offering a wide range of choices to suit individual tastes.
In terms of durability, both moissanite and diamond are well-suited for daily wear. Diamonds are renowned for their hardness, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite ranks close behind at 9.25. This hardness ensures that both stones are highly resistant to scratches and can endure the rigors of everyday use.
One notable advantage of moissanite over diamonds is its affordability. Moissanite gemstones are generally less expensive than diamonds, making them a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Being lab-created, moissanite prices do not escalate drastically with size, allowing purchasers to opt for larger, high-quality stones at a fraction of the cost of diamonds.
Considerations of environmental and ethical impact also influence the decision-making process. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental consequences and ethical issues associated with diamond mining, such as habitat disruption and the potential for conflict. In contrast, moissanite’s lab-created origin mitigates these concerns, as its production bypasses the environmental impacts of mining entirely.
Conclusion
The decision between moissanite and diamond ultimately comes down to personal taste, financial limitations, and ethical concerns. Both gemstones offer remarkable beauty and durability, making them versatile options for various types of jewelry. By carefully considering these factors, you can make a confident decision and choose a stunning gemstone that you’ll treasure for years to come.Recent Articles
