Moissanite vs. Diamond: Differences and Advantages Explained

Both moissanite and diamonds offer impressive properties, but which is right for you? While diamonds are known for their classic luxury and hardness, moissanite is gaining popularity as an affordable and eco-friendly alternative. In this blog, we will show the key differences between moissanite and diamond in terms of durability, brilliance, color, and cost.

Find out which gemstone best suits your needs and style, whether for engagement rings, earrings, or other jewelry pieces. Discover the advantages of both gemstones to make the best choice for your jewelry.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a mineral made of silicon carbide, also known as the “gemstone of the stars.” It was discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan in a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Initially, the gemstone was thought to be a diamond. It wasn't until 1904 that Moissan realized it was silicon carbide. The mineral was later named "moissanite" in honor of Moissan.

Natural moissanite is very rare. It wasn't until 1958 that geologists found moissanite outside of meteorites: first in Wyoming in the upper mantle of the Earth and a year later as inclusions in rocks in Russia.

Today, moissanite is produced exclusively in laboratories and is a popular alternative to diamonds. Since it is produced under controlled conditions with modern technology, moissanite is well traceable and does not require mining. This makes it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for jewelry.

What is Diamond?

A diamond is a special form of carbon that forms into a clear, solid crystal. It occurs naturally under extreme pressure and high temperatures in the Earth's mantle or is synthetically produced in laboratories.

Diamonds are either mined or lab-created. They are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a unique structure that makes them exceptionally hard and durable. On the Mohs scale, diamonds achieve the highest hardness rating of 10, making them the hardest natural material. Their robustness and sparkling appearance make them a preferred choice for high-quality jewelry, especially for engagement rings.

Moissanite vs. Diamond vs. Lab Diamond: A Comprehensive Comparison

Moissanite vs. Diamond Durability

• Moissanite:

Moissanite has a rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it very resistant and suitable for daily wear.

• Diamond: 

With a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest natural material, ideal for engagement rings.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Color

• Moissanite:

Moissanite is typically colorless or nearly colorless but can also come in colors like turquoise, gray, green, yellow, and black.

• Diamond:

Natural diamonds are often colorless to yellow or brownish but can occur in a wide range of colors, including pink, blue, and yellow, due to trace elements like nitrogen and boron.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Brilliance

• Moissanite:

Known for its superior brilliance, moissanite shows more fire and sparkle than diamonds. Its refractive index ranges from 2.64 to 2.69, making larger moissanites particularly impressive.

• Diamond:

Diamonds offer slightly less brilliance than moissanite, with a refractive index of 2.417 to 2.419. They have less fire but still exhibit excellent dispersion and sparkle.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Price

• Moissanite:

Moissanite is significantly more affordable than diamonds of the same carat size. The price varies depending on size, shape, and color.

• Diamond: 

Natural diamonds are the most expensive due to their rarity and long formation time. Pricing is influenced by the 4 Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity) and shape.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Sourcing

• Moissanite:

Moissanite is grown in controlled laboratory environments by specialists and then cut and polished.

• Diamond:

Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth's mantle, then are mined, cut, and polished.

Is Moissanite the Same as a Diamond?

Moissanite is not the same as a diamond. Moissanite is created in laboratories from silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of carbon. Although they look similar, they differ in their properties. Moissanite sparkles more with colored flashes of light, known as "fire," because it refracts light differently than diamonds.

Diamonds are harder than moissanite, achieving a score of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite reaches 9.25. Both gemstones shine brightly and are durable, but their differences in hardness and brilliance make each unique.

• Also Read: Is Moissanite a fake Diamond

Top Advantages of Moissanite: Sustainable, Affordable, and Durable

• Sustainable and Eco-friendly:

Moissanite is lab-created, ensuring minimal environmental impact and an ethical sourcing process.

• Affordable Luxury:

Moissanite offers impressive beauty at a fraction of the price compared to traditional gemstones, making it a smart choice.

• Durable and Robust:

With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is durable enough for daily wear and retains its brilliance over time.

What Jewelry is Available with Moissanite?

There is a wide variety of moissanite jewelry. You can choose moissanite earrings, from simple studs for everyday wear to eye-catching earrings for special occasions. Moissanite pendants for necklaces are also popular and make excellent gifts for birthdays or anniversaries. Moissanite engagement rings are a wonderful alternative to diamonds, as they sparkle just as much while being more affordable.

Tips for Choosing Moissanite

When purchasing moissanite, keep in mind that it is rated based on cut, color, and clarity, unlike diamonds, which are also judged by carat. Moissanite is classified into two categories: Premium and Super Premium. Premium corresponds to color G-H in diamonds, while Super Premium corresponds to colors D-E-F. Thanks to modern technology, there are minimal differences in the quality of moissanite.

Consider whether moissanite is the right gemstone for you. Compare it with diamonds in terms of brilliance, sparkle, price, and durability to decide if moissanite meets your needs and style.

Conclusion: Moissanite vs. Diamond – Which is Right for You?

Moissanite and diamonds each offer unique advantages. Moissanite is lab-grown, eco-friendly, and affordable while showcasing impressive sparkle. Its high brilliance and durability make it ideal for everyday wear.

Diamonds are known for their unparalleled hardness and timeless value, regarded as a classic symbol of luxury. They occur naturally and carry significant traditional and emotional value, making them the preferred choice for long-term investments.

The decision between moissanite and diamond depends on your priorities—whether price, sustainability, or classic elegance. Both offer beautiful jewelry options for every style and occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moissanite vs. Diamond

What is the difference between moissanite and diamond?

Moissanite and diamonds look similar but have different chemical compositions. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of pure carbon. This leads to differences in their brilliance, hardness, and price.

Is moissanite as hard as a diamond?

Moissanite is very hard and durable but does not quite reach the hardness of a diamond, which is rated at 10 as the hardest natural material.

How do the prices of moissanite and diamond compare?

Moissanite is significantly cheaper than a diamond. While a diamond with 1 carat can cost several thousand euros, the price for an equally sized moissanite is only a fraction of that.

Does moissanite sparkle more than a diamond?

Yes, moissanite has a stronger light refraction and often displays more "fire" than a diamond, giving it a more noticeable shine.

Can the difference between moissanite and diamond be seen with the naked eye?

For most people, the difference is difficult to detect. Moissanite and diamonds look very similar, especially when well-cut.

Is moissanite a good choice for engagement rings?

Yes, moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings. It is durable, sparkling, affordable, and an ethically sustainable option.

What color does moissanite have compared to diamonds?

Moissanite may have slight yellow or green tones, while high-quality diamonds are often colorless. However, there are also colorless moissanite options available.

Why do people choose moissanite instead of diamonds?

People choose moissanite because it is more affordable and sustainable, without the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.

How durable is moissanite compared to diamonds?

Although diamonds are harder, moissanite is also very durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for daily wear.

What ethical advantages does moissanite offer over diamonds?

Moissanite is lab-created, which means it is free from the ethical and environmental issues often associated with diamond mining.