Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are both gemstones used as substitutes for natural diamonds.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicon carbide. Scientists discovered it in a meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893. It looks similar to a diamond but has different chemical and optical properties. They give it a unique sparkle.
Lab grown diamonds form in laboratories using advanced technology that replicates the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions of the Earth’s mantle. These processes grow small diamond seeds into larger stones with the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds—but in weeks, not millions of years.
Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds: Understanding the Differences
Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds mimic the beauty and characteristics of natural diamonds. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide. Meanwhile, lab grown diamonds are composed of pure carbon.
This difference in composition leads to distinct physical properties—hardness, toughness, and refractive index. All of which influence their durability and longevity over time.
Moissanite and lab-created diamonds are both popular alternatives to natural diamonds because they are less expensive while maintaining a similar appearance and moissanite durability over time. They are frequently used in engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite does occur naturally in tiny crystals. However, most moissanite on the market is made in a lab. This synthetic form of crystalline silicon carbide is commonly used as a diamond simulant. Unless you're searching for rare mineral samples, you'll most likely find synthetic moissanite and moissanite rings for sale.
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Moissanite vs Diamond: Which is More Beautiful?
One of the most debated topics when comparing moissanite to diamonds is which one is more beautiful. While moissanite can closely resemble diamonds, it has distinct optical properties that make it stand out. Moissanite exhibits more fire—intense flashes of color—than diamonds, due to its higher refractive index. This gives moissanite a distinct sparkle and makes it especially eye-catching. Despite this, diamonds offer a timeless and classic brilliance. They are preferred by some for their subtle yet stunning appearance, which is consistent and unchanging over time.
Brilliance and Fire
Diamonds show both brilliance (white flashes) and fire (colored flashes). Moissanite also shows both but has more fire. This creates more colorful flashes than a diamond.
The amount of fire depends partly on the diamond’s cut. Older cuts or certain modern angles can increase fire. This makes it harder to tell the difference.
Brilliance and fire alone don’t clearly distinguish moissanite from diamonds. However, the difference becomes more noticeable in larger stones. Still, without jewelry experience, most people can’t tell them apart just by looking.
Color
Today, moissanites are available in the same color range as white diamonds, though this wasn’t always the case. Early “classic” moissanite had yellow or brown tones, similar to diamonds in the J to M range. These stones pair well with yellow or rose gold and vintage settings.
Now, moissanite also comes in “Near Colorless” (G to I) and “Colorless” (D to F) ranges. These selections give buyers more options to match diamond styles. However, moissanite can shift in color under different lighting. Some stones may appear more yellow or yellow-green. People sensitive to color might prefer diamonds or white sapphires instead.
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Clarity
Moissanite is lab grown. That’s why it doesn’t have the large clarity imperfections often found in diamonds. It’s always eye-clean, while diamonds may show visible flaws.
Finding an eye-clean diamond in the right size can be challenging for budget-conscious buyers. It often takes time, careful inspection, and sometimes help from a professional.
Moissanite and lab created Diamond durability
Hardness
When it comes to durability, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are excellent choices. Lab grown diamonds have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) as natural diamonds. This means they are highly resistant to scratching.
Moissanite (with a hardness of 9.25) is slightly less durable but still ranks as the second-highest gemstone. It’s highly resistant to wear and tear.
Toughness
However, deciding whether moissanite or diamond is a more durable gem material is difficult. People who sell moissanite may claim that it is tougher than diamonds, whereas those who sell diamonds may claim the opposite.
Moissanite lacks a cleavage plane, whereas diamond does. Moissanite benefits from this in terms of moissanite durability over time. However, this does not help determine how hard a moissanite must be knocked before it breaks.
Longevity of Moissanite and lab-grown Diamond
Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds can last for generations when properly cared for. Moissanite, although slightly softer than diamonds, is known for its lasting brilliance and resilience. With a proper cleaning regimen, moissanite retains its sparkle over the years.
Lab grown diamonds have identical physical properties to natural diamonds. Hence, they can also maintain their brilliance and structure for an incredibly long time. These diamonds will not lose their luster. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches, chips, or other forms of damage when worn daily.
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What makes Moissanite different from Lab-grown diamonds?
Refractive Index
A gemstone's refractive index describes how much light bends as it passes through it. Moissanite's refractive index is higher than that of lab grown diamonds, which contributes to its intense fire and sparkle.
Moissanite will bend light more than lab grown diamonds. This produces a more gleaming appearance.
Dispersion
The separation of white light into its spectral colors is called dispersion.
Moissanite has a higher dispersion than lab created diamond durability. This means it can separate white light into its spectral colors more effectively. In moissanite, this can result in a rainbow-like effect known as "fire."
Ethical Concerns
Manufacturers create both lab grown diamonds and moissanite in laboratories. Their production avoids the mining and extraction processes that often harm the environment. As a result, these stones have a lower carbon footprint and do not contribute to habitat destruction or deforestation.
However, buyers should research each retailer’s production methods to make sure they align with their ethical values.
Physical Appearance
Moissanite resembles natural diamonds in appearance. However, it differs in some ways. Moissanite has a refractive index slightly different from natural diamonds, which can affect its overall appearance.
Because lab grown diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to natural diamonds, they appear the same.
Price And Investment
Moissanite is typically less expensive than lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds. As a result, it’s a more affordable option for those seeking a diamond substitute. This can make moissanite an appealing option for those seeking the look of a diamond at a lower cost.
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Why Choose Moissanite or Lab Grown Diamonds?
Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are popular alternatives to natural diamonds, but they differ significantly. Here are some examples of comparisons between the two:
● Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, whereas lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon. Because of the difference in composition, they have slightly different optical properties and appearances.
● Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are both tough and durable. However, lab grown diamonds are slightly harder, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10 compared to 9.25 for moissanite.
● Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, producing more fire and brilliance. Moissanite may appear more sparkly and colorful as a result of this than diamonds.
● Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. However, moissanite is typically more affordable. The cost of lab grown diamonds varies according to their size, color, and clarity.
● Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is extremely rare. On the other hand, manufacturers create lab grown diamonds in a laboratory. These stones are far more common than natural diamonds or moissanite.
The decision between moissanite and lab grown diamonds ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities.
Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds offer remarkable durability, longevity, and ethical production methods. At Diamondrensu, we offer an extensive collection of both lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry—engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings.
Browse through our full range of jewelry to find the perfect piece that suits your style. Trust us to help you make a choice that will sparkle for years to come. Your journey to timeless beauty starts here.
