LEARN ABOUT MOISSANITE

An Eco-friendly, Affordable Engagement Ring Alternative

Learn how moissanite compares to diamond in terms of its chemical and optical properties, as well as its durability, pricing, and maintenance. This is a must-read for anyone considering moissanite.

  • Conflict-free

    Lab-grown with a smaller carbon footprint than diamond & gem mining

  • Sparkling

    A higher refractive index and greater fire than even diamond

  • Durable

    Second hardest gem on earth, second only to diamond

  • Affordable

    A tiny fraction of the price of diamond

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WHAT IS MOISSANITE?

Discovered from the Stars

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by a Nobel-Prize winning French scientist, named Henri Moissan. He discovered the mineral on a meteor that struck earth, leaving the moissanite particles in its crater. At first, Moissan thought he had discovered diamonds from outer space, but then realized that the crystals were a silicon carbide chemical composition, rather than the pure carbon composition of diamond.

How It's Grown: Henri Moissan spent the rest of his life trying to recreate the crystal, but never succeeded. It wasn’t until a century later in the 1990’s that scientists in North Carolina invented the process to successfully grow the mineral in a lab. All moissanite on the market today is grown in a laboratory using these highly technological equipment and processes, since not enough of it occurs naturally on our planet.

ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE

A More Eco-Conscious Alternative

Because it’s created in a lab, moissanite avoids the problematic issues tied to gemstone mining, and the devastating effects that mining has on our environment and its inhabitants. Moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint than mined gemstones or diamonds, making it a more sustainable and responsible choice.

Moissanite vs. Lab Grown Diamond

Comparison Guide:

Is moissanite a diamond? Though it has a similar appearance to diamond, moissanite is an entirely different mineral with its own inherent properties.

Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.

Moissanite

Moissanites are at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Diamond

Diamonds, the hardest known naturally occurring mineral, are a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the ideal option for engagement rings.

Lab Diamond

Lab diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the ideal option for engagement rings.

Brilliance
Brilliance refers to the appearance of light reflected from the gemstone's interior.

Moissanite

Moissanites are slightly more brilliant than diamonds, though they feature more than twice the amount of fire. If a moissanite is larger than 1 carat, the difference in fire can be very noticeable as it has a refractive index of 2.64 to 2.69.

Diamond

Natural diamonds are slightly less brilliant than moissanite and feature two times less fire, though they still exhibit dispersion and scintillation. The refractive index of diamonds ranges from 2.417 to 2.419.

Lab Diamond

Lab diamonds are slightly less brilliant than moissanite and feature two times less fire, though they still exhibit dispersion and scintillation. The refractive index of diamonds ranges from 2.417 to 2.419.

Color
Color is the presence or absence of color visible within a gemstone.

Moissanite

While most moissanites can now be grown as colorless or near colorless, they are also created in hues of teal, grey, green, yellow, and black.

Diamond

Natural diamonds occur in the colorless range, but they also occur in many colors, including pink, blue, and yellow from trace elements like nitrogen and boron.

Lab Diamond

The rarest lab diamonds are those in the colorless range, but they are also created in many colors. Lab-grown colored diamonds are more accessible than natural colored diamonds and can often be found in more vivid, fancier colors.

Price
Price references how much you will pay for a gemstone.

Moissanite

Moissanite is dramatically lower in price than diamonds of the same carat weight. Their pricing is based on size, shape, and whether the stone is colorless or near colorless.

Diamond

Natural diamonds are the most expensive. As they are mined from the Earth and take billions of years to form, they are much rarer than both moissanite and lab diamonds. In addition to their rarity, diamonds are priced based on their 4 C's and shape.

Lab Diamond

Lab diamonds cost less than their natural counterparts due to their origin but cost more than moissanites. As with natural diamonds, lab diamonds are priced based on their 4 C's and shape.

Sourcing
Sourcing refers to the origin of the gemstone and how it was produced.

Moissanite

Moissanite is grown in controlled laboratories by professionals. Once formed, they’re cut and polished.

Diamond

Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth. Then, they are mined, cut, and polished.

Lab Diamond

Lab diamonds are grown in controlled laboratories by professionals. Once formed, they’re cut and polished.

IDENTIFIYING MOISSANITE

How is Moissanite Distinguished from Diamond?

Moissanite has a very similar look to diamond, and can often be tough to spot to the untrained eye. Not only does moissanite look visually similar to diamond, but it even tests as diamond using traditional diamond testers. Other methods often have to be used to determine if a stone is moissanite:

1. Use a special moissanite/diamond testing device that can distinguish these stones from each other.

2. Use a jeweler’s loupe to look for those needle-like inclusions that are unique to moissanite

3. Moissanite has a distinct “double refraction” or doubling effect of the facet junctures that can be viewed under magnification.

4. Moissanite’s specific gravity can be tested using special devices

5. Moissanite conducts heat and electricity differently than diamond, and its conductivity can be tested using specialized equipment.

DURABILITY

Second Hardest Gem on Earth

Moissanite is the second hardest material on earth, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it even harder than white sapphire or ruby. Moissanite’s durability is second only to diamond, which ranks at 10 and is the hardest material on earth. Moissanite’s toughness makes it a great option for an everyday ring meant to be worn for years.

MAINTENANCE

Caring for & Cleaning Your Moissanite

Unlike many other white gemstones, such as white moissanite or white topaz, moissanite’s superior optical properties mean that it can sparkle even when it’s not perfectly clean. This is a major bonus, since it doesn’t need the extremely frequent cleaning that white sapphire requires. Unlike white sapphire that is more see-through and appears milky and opaque as it gets dirty, moissanite maintains its brilliance better since it’s much better at reflecting light back up to the eye even when not perfectly clean.

But as with all gems and diamonds, moissanite should still be cleaned and cared for according to the Care & Cleaning guide. It can also attract oils to its surface (moreso than diamond), so it’s best to keep your stone clean to avoid buildup that can become harder to remove if you neglect to clean it periodically.

Our Go-To Guide for Everything You Need to Know.

Learn More About Moissanite

Does moissanite lose its brilliance over time?

No, moissanite never loses its shine and brilliance if it is properly taken care of. Moissanite does not become dull or cloudy over time, like other gemstones can do.

What sets moissanite apart from othergemstones?

Throughout the years, moissanite has been very popular for its brilliance, durability, and how it can make a diamond look very much according to your pocket. Other advantages of this gem over diamond include that it is more sustainable and is obtained without harming the ecosystems.

Is moissanite suitable for engagement rings?

Yes, moissanite is a wonderful, durable stone for an engagement ring and is budget-friendly as well. For this reason, many couples prefer moissanite to traditional diamond rings.

Does moissanite require special care?

It is very durable, though we still recommend cleaning your moissanite jewelry regularly with mild soap and warm water to keep its brilliance. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

How long does moissanite last?

Moissanites are strong, long-lasting gemstones. With proper care, moissanites can last throughout your lifetime and be passed down to future generations.

How can you tell moissanite from cubic zirconia?

To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia. We recommend bringing your gemstone in to a trained professional who will be able to validate exactly what it is.