Is Moissanite a Real Diamond: Moissanite Vs Diamond

In your quest for an extraordinary and distinctive diamond engagement ring, you might have stumbled upon a captivating gemstone known as moissanite.

While the center stone of an engagement ring is often a diamond in the United States, there are other options that can make an engagement ring just as beautiful. The moissanite is a truly unique and enchanting alternative. But, what is a moissanite gemstone, and how does it measure up against a diamond? We'll also answer other questions like what is a moissanite ring? Moissanite vs diamond engagement ring, which is best?

Here, we’ll compare real diamond vs moissanite by color, hardness, brilliance, and price.

 

is moissanite a diamond

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



Moissanite vs Diamond: Color:

Mined diamonds come in a variety of colors ranging from icy-white clear to yellow or gray hues. Like snowflakes, no two mined diamonds will be the same. A mined gemstone's range of color variation is due to environmental factors the gemstone was naturally growing in. The more clear or white a diamond appears, the more valuable and desirable it is considered to consumers.

Moissanite, on the other hand, originates from space meteorites and is not a gem you find naturally on Earth. Due to this fact, all moissanite gems are lab-created because sourcing its natural form is nearly impossible in nature. Since new moissanites are grown in labs, the environment the gemstone grows in can be controlled and regulated for the most consistent and best production results.

Moissanites available on the market today are colorless. Moissanites range from colors equivalent to D-I range, or the two highest tiers on the color scale. All moissanites and moissanite engagement rings found on our website are from Charles and Colvard's Forever One collection, which are the highest quality stones available on the market today. They are guaranteed to be DEF in color and VS2 clarity or better.

Moissanite and Diamond Hardness

 

Moissanite vs Diamond: Hardness

The harder a material, the more difficult it is to scratch or chip. While no gemstone is indestructible, some gemstones are slightly harder and more durable for daily wear.

What is Moissanite hardness? 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite gemstones can be worn daily as they are very durable, like diamonds being at 10 on the Mohs scale.

Difference between diamond and moissanite hardness

(Diamonds are harder than moissanite. Moissanites are at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, while diamonds score a perfect 10. Despite this, moissanite shines with more fire and brilliance due to its higher refractive index of 2.65-2.69. Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42.)

For durability reference, rubies and sapphires have a Mohs score of 9, and emeralds have a score of 7.

 

Oval Moissanite

 

Moissanite vs Diamond: Brilliance

How to tell moissanite from diamond? Moissanite sparkles with a wide range of colors and intense fire, creating vivid flashes of rainbow shades when it moves. This sets it apart from diamonds, which sparkle based on how they reflect light, produce colors, and scintillate.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Price

Overall, moissanite is a fraction of the high cost of a diamond. This is primarily due to supply and demand since diamonds are still fairly popular in the US for engagement rings. While a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, carat, and other individual characteristics like setting. moissanite stones are usually the same price and will vary incrementally with the size and shape of the stone.

Diamond and Moissanite

 

What is Moissanite?

Are moissanite diamonds real? Moissanite, made from silicon carbide, imitates the look of a diamond. A diamond simulant looks like a natural diamond, even though it's not. It's often hard to distinguish between the two, so many people choose moissanite as a popular diamond alternative.

You may wonder, 'Is moissanite a lab-grown diamond?' While both are produced in scientific settings, moissanite is a distinct gemstone composed of silicon carbide, while diamonds are carbon-based. Despite this difference, it retains a striking physical similarity to classic diamonds, making a moissanite engagement ring a stylish alternative, with its robust sparkle and hardness.

Moissanite deposits are extremely rare on Earth. Technically, it’s a precious gemstone that comes from space. This brilliant stone was initially discovered by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan back in 1893, amongst the remnants of an ancient meteor crater in Arizona. 

This remarkable diamond-like stone displayed superior brilliance, fire, luster, and hardness. Due to the rarity of natural moissanite, there’s no way to collect enough to form a single piece of jewelry. Even scouring natural moissanite stone deposits in areas like Wyoming and Russia couldn’t yield enough material to make a set of earrings. 

However, while researching to answer questions regarding what moissanite is, science was able to create a moissanite stone using a laboratory and an artisan's touch. Years of research, testing, and errors eventually led scientists to artificially create a moissanite diamond from silicon carbide formed as a single crystal. This lavish gemstone is now available to those who want to buy a conflict-free and environmentally friendly alternative to a diamond. 

Some may believe moissanite to be a “fake diamond.” While a comparison will show some similarities, there are notable differences (as we covered above).

History of Moissanite

Dr. Henri Moissan discovered a new crystal at the impact site of a meteor in 1893. However, at the time, he mistakenly believed that he had come across diamonds due to their similar visual appearance. 

A decade later, in 1904, under the examining eye of a chemist, it was soon proven that Moissan’s find was compositionally different from diamonds, having been formed of silicon carbide. Dr. Moissan would later win the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds in 1886, an endeavor that saw him poisoned several times. 

After Moissan’s initial discovery, moissanite would make few appearances outside of meteor craters. In fact, it would take half a century for the next natural moissanite deposit to be found.

Due to the lack of naturally occurring moissanite, its use as a decorative gemstone was impractical. However, this wouldn’t stop scientists from developing a method to create this wondrous diamond-like stone in a controlled environment. The 1980s saw the first creation of a lab-grown moissanite jewel. The brilliance and luster would outshine a traditional diamond while providing a conflict-free alternative at a fraction of the price. 

This lab-grown jewel is not supposed to be a synthetic diamond, as it is expertly cut and crafted to bring out its own extraordinary properties. 

These jewels are created through a safely guarded patented thermal growing process. Moissanite can be cultivated to deliver a near-colorless jewel or a select number of colored shades such as yellow, green, and gray.

As technology has advanced, so has the quality of moissanite. Under extreme monitoring, each stone is completely free from the types of foreign materials that are sometimes found in naturally mined gemstones. This allows the outcome of each moissanite diamond to be predetermined.

Our Best Selling Rings

At Gema&Co, we strive to provide a superior alternative to diamonds. In the evolving debate between moissanite rings vs diamond, these moissanite engagement rings are our most popular conflict-free and environmentally friendly choices.

The Round Pavé

The Round Pavé features a delicate and elegant round solitaire set amongst a pavé moissanite adorned band.

The Oval Solitaire 

The Oval Solitaire is set with four prongs and a beautiful band that can be worn with luxury every day.

The Round Solitaire

The Round Solitaire is the quintessential ring for those looking to declare their love. Graceful and stylish, this moissanite ring is a focal piece that you’ll be delighted to show off.

The Hidden Halo

The Hidden Halo is a truly enchanting style, showcasing a brilliant moissanite solitaire elegantly enveloped by a halo of smaller moissanite gems. Subtly captivating, the design creates a radiant aura of sparkle around the central stone.

General Benefits of Moissanite

When comparing the differences between a diamond vs moissanite, you might be unaware of the many advantages that lend themselves to moissanite:

Conflict-Free

The greatest benefit that moissanite has over any other naturally mined gem is that, since it’s been created in a laboratory, you know that you’re wearing ethical jewelry. 

Quality

Thanks to the meticulous environment that lab-grown moissanite jewels are produced in, if a gemstone isn’t the perfect clarity or has any form of obvious inclusions or blemishes, it won’t be available for sale.

High Refractive Index

A clear difference when performing a moissanite versus diamond side by side is the brilliance of each gem. Due to this jewel’s High Refractive Index, it can create a superior sparkle, unmatched by a standard diamond.

Timeless Appearance

For those looking for alternatives to a diamond, some may turn to cubic zirconia. However, unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite doesn’t develop a cloudy appearance over time. In fact, a moissanite jewel will maintain a cleaner look than a diamond. Dirt and oils will reduce the luster of a diamond faster than moissanite

Moissanite will Last Through the Generations

With superior hardness ratings, moissanite makes for a stunning yet durable jewel. Proper care will allow a moissanite ring to be passed down through your family for years to come.

Moissanite vs Diamond: The Bottom Line

From a logical point of view moissanite and diamond have nearly identical visual characteristics. Both gemstones are clear and are two of the hardest gemstones known to man. Both exude incredible beauty, will last a lifetime, and are excellent options for everyday wear.

At the end of the day, moissanites are a viable and equivalently beautiful symbol of love for those not wanting to purchase a diamond due to ethical, environmental, or price concerns.

Gema&Co Moissanite Rings

At Gema&Co, we pride ourselves on using the most brilliant and colorless Charles & Colvard Forever One stones. In addition, we have our own premier lab-created moissanite. (Note - this option is only available upon request.)

Amongst our jewelers and staff, our company features a deep history of collective experience in fine jewelry manufacturing, design, and sales; which will be evident the moment you see and wear our moissanite jewelry. All of our Moissanite rings, solitaires, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and other items use only the highest industry standard 14k / 18k yellow, white, and rose gold mixtures.

Even better, the rings available can be completely customized with a center stone like an emerald, diamond, sapphire, or ruby. Of course, you can also design all-new styles custom to your unique preferences (please visit our bespoke page for additional details).

Our collection of men’s and women’s rings is always available at the best possible price. As a result, you don’t have to time your engagement or anniversary gift around holiday sales and other special promotions. At Gema&Co, we believe anytime is the perfect time for celebrating your love and life!

You can be 100% confident when shopping on our online store that your order will receive the utmost care and attention from start to finish.


The world's most practical engagement rings.