The Difference: Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond

If you love the aesthetics that diamonds have to offer but don’t want to burn a hole through your wallet, here’s some good news. Lab grown diamonds and moissanite are great alternatives. Not only do these share a close resemblance to diamonds, but are easy on your pockets too. 

However, you might be wondering about the difference between lab grown diamonds and moissanite. Which one should you choose? Given below is a detailed comparison between the two most popular alternatives to diamonds.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite, often referred to as ‘space diamond’ owing to its origins, is a gemstone discovered by Henry Moissan in 1893. Moissan was examining rock samples from a meteor crater when he discovered some crystals that he initially believed were diamonds. 

However, in 1904, he discovered that these crystals were composed of silicon carbide, and not carbon, like diamonds. The difference between diamond and moissanite thus became evident, and the gemstone was named after him.

Unfortunately, silicon carbide occurs very rarely in nature, which is why the moissanite gemstones you see today are lab grown synthetic versions. Naturally-occurring moissanite can only be found in a few environments like meteor craters or sometimes as inclusions within diamonds.

 2.92 CT Emerald Cut Solitaire Moissanite Engagement Ring

What Are The Benefits Of Moissanite?

When it comes to a comparison of moissanite vs lab diamond the first factor of comparison will be their benefits. Listed below are the primary benefits of moissanite.

1. Durability  

Not only does moissanite bear a close resemblance to diamonds in terms of sparkle and color, but it also has a hardness that is super close to that of a diamond. On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite has a score of 9.25-9.50, whereas diamond has a score of 10.  Since it is durable, it is suitable for engagement rings that are worn regularly, and will surely last a lifetime and beyond.

2. Ethical and Sustainable

If you’re comparing moissanite vs. diamond, the most obvious difference is the source from which they originate. Natural diamonds are often mined under unethical conditions and violate the codes of child labor in certain countries. It also adds to the growing problem of water and air pollution.

On the other hand, since moissanite is manufactured under controlled conditions in a lab, it is sustainable and eco-friendly. Moreover, the manufacturing process is monitored strictly, so the chances of any ethical violations occurring are almost zero.

3. Cost-Effective

Perhaps the most attractive difference between moissanite and diamond is the drastically different price popointseven for the same carat, cut, and finish. The best part is that even though moissanite is more cost-effective, it doesn’t compromise on its quality and gorgeous aesthetics. So, questions like “Does moissanite look fake” are not applicable, since moissanite gemstones bear a striking similarity to diamonds. 

What is a “Lab Grown Diamond”?

Is a lab grown diamond better than moissanite? To answer that question, let’s first look into what a ‘lab grown’ diamond is. Lab diamonds are essentially real diamonds since they share the same structure and chemical properties.

A lab grown diamond is identical to a naturally-occurring diamond in every way, except for the fact that the former is mass-produced in a lab, instead of being mined. Specially made machines use a small diamond ‘seed’ and replicate the natural growth process in a matter of weeks.

Lab grown diamonds are often misrepresented as ‘fake diamonds’ since they don’t occur naturally. This, however, is not true, since lab grown diamonds are also subjected to the same high temperatures and pressure found deep in the Earth’s mantle. It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Earth-Mined Diamond vs Lab Grown Diamond

Before we compare moissanite vs lab grown diamond, let’s see the differences between moissanite vs lab created. Both have identical properties in terms of clarity, chemical properties, and structure. However, the latter is made under controlled, accelerated conditions at labs, whereas the former has to be mined. This is why there’s a significant price difference between the two as well.

What Are The Benefits Of Lab Grown Diamonds?

To answer the question “What is the difference between moissanite and diamond?” We need to take a look at the benefits of diamonds.

1. Cost-Effective   

One of the reasons why naturally-occurring diamonds are so expensive is that they’re becoming quite rare, and require a labor-intensive mining process. Since lab grown diamonds are mass-manufactured, they cost around twenty to forty percent less than real diamonds.

2. Eco-Friendly and Ethical

The diamond mining process is an example of unnecessary evil. It not only leads to air and water pollution but eats away at non-renewable fossil fuels. To add to the cruelty of this process, it involves unethical working conditions and labor exploitation. Since lab grown diamonds are manufactured in controlled, stringently-monitored environments, they aren’t unethical and are also environment-friendly.

3. Durability

Lab grown diamonds are manufactured using advanced technology and concepts like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) which make their structure and chemical properties identical to that of natural diamonds. 

This is why lab grown diamonds are as durable as natural diamonds and have a score of 10 on the Mohs scale. You can wear a diamond engagement ring for years to come, and can even pass it on to the next generations as an heirloom!

Is a Lab Grown Diamond the Same Thing as Moissanite? 

Now that we have answered "What is moissanite vs. lab grown diamond", let's take a look at the key differences between the two. 

 0.90 CT Round Lab Grown Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring

What Is The Difference Between Moissanite And Lab Grown Diamond?

1. Sparkle and Appearance

Moissanite sparkles more than both kinds of diamonds, both natural and lab made. Moissanite stones have a high refractive index of 2.65-2.69, as opposed to 2.45 for diamonds. So, instead of a diamond’s characteristic white brilliance, moissanite has a gorgeous rainbow sparkle.

2. Color Quality 

Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite come in near-colorless and colorless shades. Colorless diamonds are graded D, E, and F, whereas near colorless and faint yellow ones are graded G, H, I, and J. The price increases as the diamond becomes more colorless. 

Colorless moissanite is equivalent to D, E, and F diamonds and is white and clear, whereas near-colorless moissanite is akin to G, H, and I diamonds and has a warmer tone. Moreover, moissanite is available in yellow, cyan, gray, and green shades as well.

3. Durability

If you’re wondering “Is lab grown diamond better than moissanite”, then in one way the answer is yes. If durability is a big deal-breaker for you, then lab grown diamonds can be your ultimate choice, since they have a rate of 10 on the Mohs scale. This eternal nature is what makes diamonds so appealing.

Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone right after diamonds, with a score of 9.25-9.50 on the Mohs scale. This means that it will not get scratched easily or become cloudy with regular, daily use. It certainly checks all the boxes for a ‘forever’ stone!

4. Clarity 

To the untrained eye, comparing moissanite vs lab-grown vs diamond based on clarity may be a futile task. Most diamonds come with natural flaws owing to how they are made, under high temperatures and pressure. Depending on the flaw can affect the brilliance of the stone.

So, if you’re opting for a diamond, make sure it is an ‘eye-clean’ one, that is, you can’t see the flaws with the naked eye. With Moissanite, however, you don’t have to worry about flaws. All moissanite stones are eye-clean and may only have microscopic flaws. Their clarity is equivalent to a VS clarity diamond.

5. Price 

If you compare moissanite diamond vs lab grown diamond in terms of price, then the former is more pocket-friendly. While lab grown diamonds certainly cost less than natural diamonds, they can still be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. 

Lab grown moissanite stones, however, are much cheaper and offer nearly the same brilliance and durability as diamonds. With high quality and reasonable prices, moissanite is certainly a catch!

Which One Should You Choose, Moissanite Or Lab Grown Diamond?

Depending on your preferences, you can decide between a moissanite diamond vs lab grown diamond. If you're looking for the brilliance of a diamond, but want it accentuated, then moissanite is perfect, as it is budget-friendly too. Its rainbow sparkle and unique colors are gorgeous.

On the other hand, if you’re a hardcore diamond lover and want your ring to be an heirloom for times immemorial, a lab grown diamond is a safe bet. It is also a great environment-friendly and ethical option, as compared to natural diamonds, and can be certified.

Why Is Moissanite Or Lab Grown Diamond An Excellent Alternative For Diamond?

Moissanite and lab diamonds are excellent alternatives as they are cost-effective and have properties that are more or less identical to natural diamonds. Since the differences between the three are quite subtle and you’ll get great value for money, moissanite, and lab diamond are perfect choices.

Conclusion