Moissanite and Diamond are two of the most incredibly brilliant and impressive gemstones known to man, and nature. But while they possess similar properties, they possess some distinctions that set them apart. Today we'll discuss these differences to help you decide which gemstone is right for you.
Key Advantages of Moissanite
Eco-friendly
Moissanite is created in labs, so there's no ecological damage tied to its appearance.
Value
Moissanite gemstones possess an unmatched brilliance and splendour at a fraction of the cost of diamonds.
Durability
Moissanite gemstones have an impressive 9.25 rating on the Moh's Hardness Scale, making them better able to withstand wear and tear than most other gemstones.
Scarcity
Moissanite is scarce as a natural resource, as it literally fell from the stars and was first discovered in a meteor crater.
Appearance
Moissanite has a double refraction index, allowing it to possess more brilliance, fire, and lustre.
Moissanite
Named after its first recorded discoverer, Nobel-winning Henri Moissan, Moissanite is a diamond-like mass of silicon-carbide crystals. The site of a meteorite in Arizona and the voids left in its wake are recorded as the place where Henri Moissan found small fractions of the gem. He initially believed that he had found diamonds, but later deduced that the crystals were made of silicon carbide.
Nowadays, Moissanite is available in its lab-created form, as it is scarcely found in nature. After several years of experiments, the particles Moissan found were finally synthesised to develop what is presently one of the most exciting gemstones available.
Despite the fact that Moissanite and diamonds hold their differences in appearance and composition, Moissanite can appear to look markedly like diamonds on cursory examination.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
Let's compare Moissanite and Diamond side by side, considering certain parameters, starting with durability.
Durability
Moissanite
Moissanite gemstones are rated 9.25 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, which means that they are very suitable for everyday wear; solid and long-lasting, only second to diamonds.
Diamond
Diamonds are a perfect 10 on the Moh's hardness scale and are the hardest minerals known to man. They are incredibly solid and suitable for everyday wear, which is why it is the most widely used gemstone for engagement rings.
Brilliance
Brilliance refers to how light reflects from the interior of the gem.
Moissanite
Moissanite displays a unique kind of brilliance in comparison to diamonds, evident in their distinct faceting pattern. The bright rainbow flickers given off by Moissanite are a delight to many, whilst others discredit the “disco-ball” effect, especially in sunlit surroundings. This becomes more apparent with larger gemstones.
Diamond
On the other hand, Diamond gives off its brilliance in a unique way, making it unmistakably different from that of Moissanite. Diamonds reveal light in three varied ways. The white light is called brilliance, while dispersion is the term for the rainbow of colours angling off its surface. The surface gleam, called scintillation, is the third type. The hybrid of these three provides diamonds with their well-known sparkle.
Colour
Moissanite
It appears colourless on the surface but gives off a grey or yellow hue under certain lights. This characteristic is more apparent in larger gemstones.
Diamond
In the case of a diamond, it possesses a natural body colour with no indications of yellow, brown, or grey. This makes for glittering, bright white allure in both its natural and lab-created forms.
Price
Moissanite
Moissanite is significantly more affordable than diamonds of equivalent size and quality, especially when it comes to larger gemstones. This is an appealing advantage for those who prefer larger gemstones on their ring.
Diamond
Lab-created diamonds are less expensive when compared with natural diamonds, but their prices vary based on the four C's: carat, cut, clarity, and color with shape as well.
How They Are Sourced
Moissanite
Moissanite is lab-created, making them an attractive choice for those who want environmentally-conscious gemstones that are not created from harmful mining activities.
Diamonds
Natural diamonds are sourced from the mines, which are known to harm both the environment and in some cases, the labourers. On the other had, lab-created diamonds reduce adverse effects on the environment. Our diamonds have reputations and origins that are as sparkling as they are.
Lab Created Diamonds
These diamonds are way cheaper than their natural counterparts. On average, you can save about 30 percent on diamonds of identical quality and size. Lab-created diamonds have similar material, chemical, and visual properties to diamonds obtained from mining operations, which is a major difference from Moissanite. They display similar characteristics of glow, fire, and glitter. Besides, their lack of mining needs makes them the best choice for people pursuing an eco-friendly gemstone.
How to Shop Lab Created Gemstones
An affordable way to acquire an engagement ring within your budget is to choose a design with a smaller centerstone accompanied by accent diamonds. The accent diamonds assist to create an excellent appearance without costing the Earth.
Another fantastic design option is a halo engagement ring, which surrounds the centerstone with small diamond accents, enabling the centerstone to appear more distinguished.
Lastly, a three-stone setting, with a centerstone flanked by a smaller gem on each side, is another excellent option to enhance the sparkle of your centerstone.
Moissanite FAQs
Can you tell a Moissanite from diamond?
The short answer is yes, and you'll need a loupe to confirm this. To tell a Moissanite apart from a diamond, look through the crown of the jewel at an angle with the loupe. Moissanite gemstones are known for their double refractive quality, and the appearance of two slightly blurred lines in the jewel is the best indication that it is Moissanite.
Does Moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
The passage of time will not lead to a loss of lustre in Moissanite gemstones. Moissanite gemstones will retain their colour and clarity through the years unless it accumulates grime and dirt, which can be cleaned. Like any other gemstone, damage to the surface of Moissanite will diminish its sparkle.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is also known in some quarters as silicon carbide, and it's a very rarefied mineral that occurs naturally. The Nobel Prize-winning chemist, Dr. Henri Moissan, is credited with discovering this gemstone in a crater caused by a huge meteorite strike in Arizona. The novel gemstone was named, you guessed it, Moissanite in his honour.
Is Moissanite durable?
Moissanite is regarded as one of the toughest gemstones known to man. This quality makes it well suited to engagement and wedding rings or other pieces of jewellery. As several studies have shown, Moissanite is extremely resistant to chipping and breaking.
Is Moissanite as good as diamonds?
Moissanite and diamond both have unique properties that make them stand out from other gemstones. They both have their strong points. If you're in the market for an affordable, durable, ethical, beautiful, and rare gemstone, you shouldn't look beyond Moissanite.