Moissanite vs Diamond: Difference Explained

Engagement rings have been a timeless symbol of love, commitment, and upcoming marriage for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, women wore rings made of different materials, like ivory and iron, to signify mutual love.

However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the diamond became a status symbol and the norm for engagement rings. This didn’t happen by chance; in the late 1930s, when demand for diamond rings declined in the U.S., the De Beers Mining Company launched a marketing campaign with the slogan “A Diamond is Forever” using photographs of famous movie stars swathed in diamonds. Prior to this, diamonds were just one of many options for engagement rings, with precious stones like sapphires and rubies being just as popular.

Diamonds are beautiful, elegant, and fashionable — but they can also be a source of inhumane mining and environmental devastation. The good news? Today, we have alternatives that are just as beautiful while also being conflict-free, environmentally friendly, and less commercialized than natural diamonds. 

In this article, we’ll answer the question "what is moissanite stone?" or "what is a moissanite stone",  explore the traditional diamond vs. moissanite, exploring their similarities, differences, and the unique advantages that moissanite offers. You’ll also learn why this unique gemstone has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a fair and responsible engagement ring that doesn’t compromise on luxury or quality.

 

* Moissanite vs diamond side by side. Can you tell which one is the moissanite and which two are the diamonds? (Hint: It's one of the round stones)

 

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a diamond simulant composed of silicon carbide. A diamond simulant is a gemstone that looks similar to a diamond but is not an actual diamond. Moissanite closely resembles a diamond, making it a popular and widely used alternative.

From classic Solitaire settings to intricate Halo designs or vintage-inspired yellow gold settings, a moissanite engagement ring can be made in all sorts of styles to suit individual preferences. 

One of the most significant advantages of moissanite rings vs diamond rings is their affordability and ethical sourcing. Because moissanite is usually lab-created and requires no mining, these rings provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diamond rings.

The Story Behind Moissanite

What are moissanite diamonds’ history and where did they come from? The story of moissanite is a fascinating tale of scientific discovery and cosmic providence. Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Dr. Henri Moissan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work. While examining rock samples from a meteor crater in the Arizona desert, Dr. Moissan stumbled upon tiny crystals that he initially mistook for diamonds. Upon further analysis, he discovered that these crystals were composed of silicon carbide, a compound that had never been found in nature before. 

Despite this amazing discovery, the natural moissanite stone is extremely rare, so it would be another hundred years before a company developed a proprietary process for producing large crystals of moissanite, making these precious gems more accessible and affordable to all. 

Diamonds, on the other hand, were first mined in India as early as the 4th century BC, though experts believe that some of the oldest deposits of natural diamond were formed about 900 million years ago. Throughout history, diamonds have been celebrated by cultures around the world as symbols of wealth, power, and eternal love. 

Unfortunately, today’s diamond industry has a dark side, with reports of human rights violations, including forced labor and child labor, as well as “blood diamonds,” which are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. These harmful practices cause social and environmental devastation in some of the most vulnerable places on Earth.

Is Moissanite a Diamond?

While sometimes referred to as “moissanite diamonds,” moissanite isn’t a real diamond. In fact, naturally occurring moissanite is actually even rarer than diamonds since it has only been found in meteorites and upper mantle rocks. So, to make lab-grown moissanite gems, professionals employ a high-tech process that mimics nature’s way. 

The process involves subjecting silicon carbide powder to controlled heating until it transforms into a gas, allowing moissanite to develop over several months. Because the method is complex and quite lengthy, the amount of moissanite stones that can be created is limited, further increasing their value. 

Conversely, diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Lab-grown diamonds are created using processes that also mimic the natural conditions under which natural diamonds are formed. These processes typically involve one of two methods: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

• High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT): This method begins with placing a diamond seed within a piece of carbon. Using a specific type of press — cubic, split-sphere, or belt — the carbon is subjected to extreme pressures (1.5 million pounds per square inch) and high temperatures (over 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit). These conditions melt the carbon, allowing it to reform around the seed, ultimately creating a larger diamond.
• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): The CVD process also starts with a diamond seed, often previously created by the HPHT method, placed inside a sealed chamber. The environment within this chamber is heated to about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with a mix of methane and hydrogen gasses. These gasses are ionized into plasma, which breaks down their molecular bonds. The process aims to deposit pure carbon onto the diamond seed, forming a new layer and gradually building up the diamond.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Key Differences You Need to Know

There are many key differences between these two stunning gemstones. Here’s a quick snapshot of moissanite versus diamond:

	Moissanite	Diamond
Durability Durability and toughness are major factors when shopping for fine jewelry of any kind. Gemstones are measured using the Mohs scale, which ranks hardness from 1 to 10.	Moissanite ranks at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it a highly durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear and that’s able to withstand surface scratching.	Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring gemstone known to man, ranking at a 10 in the Mohs scale.
Brilliance and Fire Brilliance refers to the sparkle and scintillation of a stone — how bright and white it is. Fire describes all the rainbow flashes of light and color that can be seen when moving the gemstone back and forth.  See our blog post for "Moissanite Fire vs Diamond".	Moissanite is slightly more brilliant than diamonds, and it also features almost twice as much fire, meaning that it has a higher refractive index.	Natural diamonds are marginally less brilliant than moissanite and have two times less fire. However, this depends partly on how the diamond is cut.
Color Color refers to the presence or absence of color visible within the gemstone. Colorless diamonds are considered more valuable due to rarity and demand.	Moissanite can be crafted to be colorless or nearly colorless. It can also be made into different shades of green, gold, gray, pink, blue, purple, and yellow.	The rarest and most valuable diamonds are completely colorless. However, they can also occur in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, black, pink, green, and more.
Clarity Clarity refers to the presence or absence of small imperfections and impurities within a precious stone. In diamonds, these are called inclusions and are present, to some degree, in all but the rarest and most exclusive ones. View our moissanite clarity scale.	Because moissanite gemstones are lab-created, they can be made 100% free of impurities or inclusions.	The vast majority of diamonds will have some degree of inclusions. Even lab diamonds might have tiny but visible blemishes or impurities on or within the stone’s surface.
Price Price refers to how much you will pay for your engagement ring stones.	Moissanite gems are substantially more affordable than diamonds. The price will depend on the stone’s size, shape, and color. Super premium moissanite tends to be more expensive than regular moissanite but still more affordable than a class D, E, or F diamond. A moissanite diamond engagement ring vs a diamond engagement ring that’s comparable in size and color can cost anywhere between 20% to 50% less.	Diamonds are notoriously expensive, with natural diamonds being much costlier than their lab-created counterparts.
Sourcing Sourcing means where and how the gemstones are produced.	Moissanite is sustainably grown in controlled laboratories by skilled professionals. Unlike diamonds, which are mined from the Earth’s crust and can have significant environmental impacts, moissanite production is more ethical and environmentally friendly.	Natural diamonds are sourced from mines, through a process that involves significant environmental impact and human labor. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using technological processes.

 

Why Choose Moissanite Over Diamonds?

When it comes to choosing a moissanite vs diamond engagement ring, the decision often comes down to personal preferences, budget considerations, and ethical concerns. Here are some reasons why more and more people are opting to celebrate their love with conflict-free, environmentally-friendly moissanite gems.

Affordability

A major difference between moissanite and diamond rings is price. Moissanite wedding rings costs significantly less than diamond rings of comparable size and quality. This allows couples to invest in a stunning piece of jewelry without breaking the bank.

More Sparkle

Side-by-side, a moissanite vs real diamond ring boasts a higher refractive index, which means it has more shine, brilliance, and fire. This gives moissanite gemstones the same (or even greater) sparkle as a diamond for a fraction of the price.

Long-Term Value

While diamonds may retain their value over time, moissanite also offers excellent long-term value due to its durability and resistance to scratching, chipping, and damage.

Sustainability

Moissanite is sustainably and ethically grown in laboratories, reducing the need for environmentally destructive mining practices associated with natural diamonds.

Ethics

Lab-grown moissanite is free from the ethical concerns often associated with diamond mining, such as human rights violations, environmental degradation, and the trade of conflict diamonds. 

Choosing moissanite allows couples to celebrate their love with a clear conscience, knowing that their ring is ethically sourced and eco-conscious.

How to Tell the Difference Between Moissanite vs Diamond

Distinguishing or learning how to tell a moissanite from diamond won’t be obvious to the untrained eye, as both gemstones share similar visual characteristics. Some factors that experts consider to identify the differences between moissanite vs real diamond include:

• Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite tends to display more colorful flashes of light, known as fire, compared to diamonds. 
• Color: While both moissanite and diamonds can appear colorless, some moissanite pieces may have subtle hues of yellow or green under certain lighting conditions, especially in larger stones. However, only extremely rare and expensive diamonds are truly colorless. 
• Double Refraction: Moissanite has a higher double refractive index than diamonds, meaning it can sometimes appear double-faceted when viewed through certain angles.
• Lab Testing: For a definitive identification, gemologists can use specialized equipment like a thermal conductivity tester or a diamond tester to differentiate between moissanite and diamonds.

Shop Moissanite with Gema&Co

At Gema&Co, we believe that every love story deserves a beautiful and timeless symbol of commitment. But we also understand the negative impact that the diamond industry can have on our planet and communities. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing materials that align with our values and prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Our moissanite engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is not only beautiful but also kind to our planet. Prefer to design your own? Create custom moissanite jewelry for a one-of-a-kind piece! 

Read more about our story or check out our blog to learn more about moissanite and ethical lab-grown diamonds.

FAQs

Don’t see your question below? Check out our FAQs. 

How is moissanite made?

Moissanite is made through a controlled laboratory process that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form, using silicon carbide powder.

Is moissanite as good as diamond?

Absolutely! When comparing moissanite vs diamond, moissanite offers brilliance and durability similar to diamonds, making it a popular alternative. However, personal preference and budget considerations are what’s ultimately going to help determine which gemstone is right for you.

Is it easy to tell the difference between a real diamond vs moissanite? 

Yes and no. Moissanite and diamonds can look identical to the naked eye, but trained gemologists can differentiate between them using specialized equipment.

How do I care for moissanite jewelry?

To care for moissanite jewelry, clean it with mild soap and warm water and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Regular maintenance will help preserve its brilliance and shine. Learn more about care and maintenance or contact us for more information on how to care for your moissanite jewelry. 

Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Moissanite typically won’t pass a diamond tester since it has different electrical and thermal conductivity properties than diamonds.

Does moissanite turn green?

Moissanite does not turn green over time. Unlike some gemstones that may change color due to exposure to heat, chemicals, or oxidation, moissanite is a stable and durable stone.