The Difference between Moissanite and Diamond

Are you new to the gemstone industry and don’t really know the difference between moissanite and diamond? Don’t worry; this post will help you out.

This post will break down all you need to know about these two minerals so you can make your choice on which to go for.

What is a Moissanite?

A moissanite is a naturally occurring Silicon Carbide discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893. He mistook it for diamond because of its shiny crystals. It was later in 1904 that he identified the crystals to be Silicon Carbide.

Moissanite is a rare mineral, so the version we see today that resembles diamond when cut and polished are all lab-grown.

Moissanite is the only alternative to diamond due to its incredible brilliance. Moissanite is rated 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it the second hardest natural mineral after diamond, which is rated 10.

Moissanite is one of the few gemstones popularly used for fine jewelries like engagement rings, earrings and necklaces because of its durability and beauty. It is very difficult to differentiate between moissanite and real diamond unless you are a trained jeweler.

Moissanite is the most popular option after diamond for engagement rings. Not just because of its beauty but because it is far cheaper than diamond, and most people can’t tell the difference.

What is a Diamond?

A diamond is a precious stone with a colorless crystalline form of pure carbon. It is the hardest natural mineral known. Contrary to people’s belief, diamonds are not rare at all.

You can easily find diamond more than you can find a naturally occurring moissanite. They can be found around the globe and are relatively plentiful. It is consider as one of the most expensive stone in the gemstone market.

Difference between Moissanites and Diamonds

Here are the main differences between moissanites and diamonds so you can better be educated about them;

1. Price: Moissanite is far much cheaper than diamond. If you can get one carat colorless moissanite for $700, one carat colorless diamond will go for nothing less than $5000. Although, the price of moissanite differs based on size and polishing.
2. Weight: Diamonds and moissanites differ in weight irrespective of their sizes. Moissanite weighs less than diamonds. If you hold the same carat of the two gemstones in your hands, moissanites will weigh less than diamond.
3. Brilliance: Moissanites have more brilliance than diamond. Moissanites emits more colorful flashes of light than even an excellent cut diamond because of its great dispersion.

Moissanites emits more of rainbow sparkle, while diamonds emit a combination of colorless sparkle, rainbow sparkle and flashes of light.

So, is moissanite a fake diamond? No, both have their chemical differences if you look closely. Whether you choose to go with a diamond or moissanites jewelry, it is a matter of personal preference and values.

Take a look at our selection of loose moissanites to make a choice or reach out to us if you need expert assistance.