Moissanite vs Diamond: Which Stone Should I Buy?

Moissanite vs Diamond: Knowing the differences?

To a casual buyer, moissanites and diamonds may look identical. However, upon closer inspection, one discovers that these two stones have significant differences. They are distinguished not only by their visual appearance, but also by their value. This article explores the main distinctions between these stones, both in terms of cost and appearance. We hope this information helps you make an informed choice when purchasing your diamond jewelry.

1. History of Moissanite

Moissanite - a gemstone that was born from the stars!

In 1893, it was discovered by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who also won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He discovered microscopic particles of the gem that would bear his name in Arizona, in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. He initially thought he had discovered diamonds, but he later determined that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide.

2. What is the origin of moissanite?

Natural moissanite has been discovered in the United States and Russia, but the majority of natural moissanites come from space. Today, moissanite is primarily manufactured in a lab to resemble diamonds, although its composition and visual characteristics differ from genuine diamonds. The hardness, brilliance, and color of these two stones are distinct. Moissanite can be an interesting alternative for those looking for an environmentally friendly stone. However, for those who wish to enjoy the brilliance and authentic value of diamonds, synthetic diamonds are a wise option.

3. Can you see a difference between a moissanite and a diamond?

At first glance, moissanites and diamonds may seem similar, but careful observation reveals several notable differences. In addition to having distinct chemical compositions, these two stones differ in their color, transparency, brilliance, and hardness. Moissanite, while very brilliant, has a slightly different hue than a diamond, often more colorful. Its hardness is also lower than that of a diamond, although it remains a very durable stone. Furthermore, the brilliance of moissanite is unique, with a more pronounced rainbow sparkle than a diamond, which possesses a more classic white brilliance. These differences make each stone one-of-a-kind, offering varied options to buyers based on their aesthetic preferences and needs.

It is easy to see why diamonds are the most precious gemstone today; their history speaks for itself, and they are also the first choice for the vast majority of people looking to buy wedding jewelry. Moissanite, on the other hand, should be considered if you want to think outside the box. A customer can buy a ring that looks like it costs tens of thousands of dollars for much less, which allows for a great visual effect without the budget required for a diamond substitute. This leaves plenty of money for your dream honeymoon or a down payment on your forever home.

These two gemstones have a lot in common, including their different origins.

(1) MOISSANITE CARAT PRICE

The 4 Cs determine the price and value of a gemstone (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat). These elements combine to give the stone its charm and elegance. Diamonds vary considerably in terms of price, value, and quality, as they are often natural rather than man-made.

In contrast, most moissanites seem to have the same price, even if the size and shape of the moissanite material - enhanced or not - differ.

Although the price of a diamond and a moissanite varies, it is important to remember that the characteristics, quality, and elegance of diamonds and moissanites are very different. "The value of moissanite increases as the carat weight increases".

Moissanite is the way to go if you want a large-carat white gemstone but don't want to spend the money for a large diamond. A colorless diamond with the highest clarity grade is totally out of reach for many, but that is no excuse to sacrifice overall consistency for a smaller diamond. The price of a small, lower-quality diamond is generally higher than that of a large, higher-quality moissanite stone.

We have gathered the information in the table below to show the price difference between moissanite and diamond side-by-side. Although prices vary, there is no comparison between the long-term value and the actual beauty of moissanite and diamond.

Moissanite is about 15% lighter than diamond in terms of weight. Therefore, a precise price relationship is impossible. Moissanites are evaluated based on their size in millimeters rather than carat weight. Below is an approximation of a similar relationship.

Dimension (in carat)	Diamond Price	Dimension (carat equivalent)	Moissanite Price
0.50	€890	5mm	€440
0.63	€1280	5.5mm	€510
0.75	€1865	6mm	€571
1	€3270	6.5mm	€715

In the table above, diamonds of different carat weights are compared to moissanite stones of roughly equal size.

A half-carat diamond costs more than twice as much as a comparably sized low-end moissanite. This price ratio increases with size, and a 6.5 mm moissanite stone costs about $850, which is 80% less than a comparably sized 1-carat diamond.

(2) MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND: COLOR

While moissanites and diamonds may appear to be the same color when viewed from a distance or in poor lighting, there are substantial color variations between the two when viewed up close.

Moissanites are not graded according to the GIA color scale, which ranges from D to Z for diamonds. Moissanites, on the other hand, are not colorless and mimic the K color grade on the GIA color scale used to grade diamond color.

Moissanites have yellow and green hues when exposed to these rays. The finer the moissanite, the more visible the yellow, gray, or green hues. It is generally simple to tell the difference between a diamond and a sapphire at massive sizes.

There will be no yellow or gray tint in near-colorless diamonds ranging from D to J on the GIA scale. Color is one of the characteristics that distinguish diamonds from other gemstones, and it is difficult to mistake moissanite for the luminous and natural elegance of a diamond.

(3) MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND: CLARITY

Its clarity measures the number of visible flaws and inclusions in the moissanite. Moissanites, like diamonds, are generally imperfect, with slight flaws that are visible under a loupe.

Almost all moissanites sold are graded for clarity on a scale similar to those used by the GIA and other grading organizations to measure diamond clarity.

It is important to remember that the clarity grade of a moissanite is not determined by the GIA, AGS, or any other impartial gemological laboratory; rather, the clarity grade (and credentials, if the moissanite is sold with one) is often issued with the stone by its producer or seller.

Since moissanites are man-made, unlike natural diamonds, it is extremely rare to find moissanites with clarity grades lower than VS for sale. For the most part, moissanite clarity is almost flawless.

(4) MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND: CUT

Moissanites, like diamonds, exist in a multitude of shapes and cuts. Moissanites exist in a multitude of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, pear, cushion, princess, and radiant cuts. Some moissanites are cut in antique diamond cuts that were common hundreds of years ago.

The round brilliant cut is the most common moissanite cut. The popularity of the brilliant round cut can be attributed to several factors:

* Brilliance:

The dazzling round cut, like a gemstone, offers the most brilliance and fire. This means that when the stone is exposed to bright light, which hits the stone and reflects off its facets in various ways, the stone sparkles.

* Color:

The best cut to mask color and make a stone appear near or entirely colorless is the brilliant round cut. This is beneficial for moissanite because it hides the yellow and green hues that are common in moissanite.

* Versatility:

The brilliant round cut is a very flexible cut that looks perfect in both new and antique engagement rings and other jewelry. Moissanites appear best in cuts that mask color and highlight the stone's brilliance, such as the princess cut (also known as the "square cut"), the oval cut, the radiant cut, and the marquise cut.

(5) MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND: HARDNESS

Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, and a diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10 - the highest on the scale.

The Mohs scale is used to determine the hardness, or toughness, of a gemstone. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with one being the softest and ten the hardest. One of the most visible differences between a moissanite and a diamond is the Mohs scale.

Diamonds, which are the hardest stones known, are extremely strong and robust. They are ideal for everyday wear and wedding bands because they can withstand cracks and other damage that can deteriorate the appearance of softer stones.

The Mohs scale is presented below to give you an idea of mineral hardness. Diamonds are more resistant than other very hard rocks, such as steel and tungsten carbide, as shown in the chart.

Does this imply that moissanite irritates the skin? It does not. Moissanites are more durable than diamonds, although they are lower on the scale at 9 to 9.5. Only minerals similar to or higher on the scale, such as diamonds and other moissanites, can scratch moissanites.

The Mohs hardness scale:

Hardness	Substance or mineral
>10	Nanocrystalline diamond (hyperdiamond, ultrahardfullerite)
10	Diamond
9.5–10	Boron
9–9.5	Moissanite
9	Tungsten Carbide
8.5	Chrome
8	Cubic Zirconia
7.5–8	Emerald
7	Quartz
6–7	Silicon
6	Titanium
5.5	Glass
5	Apatite (tooth enamel)
4–4.5	Steel
4	Iron
3.5	Platinum
3	Copper
2.5–3	Gold
2–2.5	Halite (rock salt)
2	Calcium
1.5	Lead
1	Talc
0.5–0.6	Potassium
0.2–0.3	Rubidium

Moissanite vs Diamond Brilliance

Brilliance refers to how light reflects inside a gemstone. It is this sparkle that makes diamonds so famous. Light refraction varies from one gem to another and depends on the quality of the cut, but generally, moissanite stands out for its intense brilliance and its ability to refract light well. The geometry and composition of the moissanite cut allow it to disperse light in a spectacular way. However, although its brilliance is particularly sparkling, it does not reach the same intensity and clarity as that of a diamond.

Why is moissanite cheaper than a natural diamond?

You can acquire a moissanite for a fraction of the cost of a natural diamond, but is it really a wise investment? At Emir ICE, we frequently receive this question, especially when it comes to the price of an engagement ring. Although moissanite is significantly more affordable than natural diamond, it does not possess the same long-term value. Unlike natural diamond, moissanite lacks the authenticity and rarity that give a diamond its lasting value and prestige.

4. How does light reflect through a diamond?

Moissanites sparkle in a certain way; their facets are cut and formed differently than those of a diamond, which results in less refraction of white light. While moissanites provide brilliance, it is not as bright or as transparent as that of a diamond.

Moissanites have a higher refractive index than diamonds, which is an indicator of the speed at which light passes through a substance. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65, compared to 2.42 for diamonds. The refractive index of the two stones is very similar in general.

Gemstones often emit heat, which is the reflection of colored, or rainbow, light, in addition to the characteristic brilliance of a diamond. Moissanite also reflects light in a rainbow of colors. Moissanite emits a substantial, dazzling color in certain situations and under certain lights, which displeases some people.

When comparing moissanite and a diamond side by side, the difference in brilliance and fire becomes more apparent as the gemstones get larger, especially when viewed up close under certain lighting conditions.

5. Moissanite Certification

When it comes to diamonds and Moissanite, the certification that each stone obtains can help you resolve your doubts about the value of a lab-grown stone. Each of the tests, such as refractive index, brilliance, color, cut, and clarity, highlights that the results for diamonds and Moissanite are exactly similar.

Even experts in the diamond industry and diamond testers are unable to identify lab-grown products and natural products. So, there is no possibility of anyone pointing at your Moissanite and saying it is fake. Even if you don't buy a Moissanite yourself, you can be almost sure it is a diamond. So, without any visible or characteristic difference in the two stones, you can easily choose Moissanite over diamond and have all the perspectives that a diamond would help you portray, but at an economical price.

6. Advantages of Moissanite

By comparing the distinctions between a diamond and moissanite, you can realize the many advantages that moissanite offers:

(1) Ethics

The greatest advantage of moissanite compared to any other naturally mined gemstone is that you know you are wearing an ethical piece of jewelry because it was manufactured in a laboratory.

(2) High quality

Due to the rigorous environment in which lab-grown moissanite jewelry is made, if a gemstone does not have absolute clarity or has visible inclusions or imperfections, it will not be available for purchase.

(3) High refractive index

The brilliance of each stone is a notable contrast when comparing moissanite and diamonds side by side. The high refractive index of this gemstone allows it to produce a superior sparkle that is not equaled by an ordinary diamond.

(4) Timeless appearance

Some people may turn to cubic zirconia as a diamond alternative. But unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite does not cloud over time. In reality, a moissanite stone would look cleaner than a diamond. The brilliance of a diamond can be reduced by dirt and oils faster than that of moissanite.

(5) Moissanite will last through the generations

Moissanite is a raw stone with a high degree of hardness, making it a long-lasting gemstone. A moissanite ring will be passed down from generation to generation if well maintained.

7. Who should choose Moissanite?

For many people, moissanite would still be considered a "fake" diamond, lacking the class and reputation associated with gemstones. Although you might be enchanted by the chemistry of the stone, moissanite jewelry might be looked down upon by some. Others may fear that moissanite will never have the same value as sapphire or diamond as a family heirloom. Another issue is that there is a widespread belief that diamonds are a better investment than moissanite, which implies that the money spent on moissanite is ultimately lost.

But do you know that as a general rule, diamonds are overvalued and lose more than half of their value as soon as they are purchased? A diamond ring is an investment that loses the most value.

Furthermore, you would be amazed to know that Moissanite is also the preferred choice of celebrities and that the overall look and brilliance of the stone are good enough for it to be considered a secret diamond. Bindi Irwin (daughter of the crocodile hunter Steve Irwin), Penelope Cruz, and even Meghan Markle have worn these lab diamonds with great decency and elegance.

In addition, the famous Lady Gaga and Emma Watson have championed lab-grown diamonds by wearing them on different occasions.

Since moissanite is only about 10% of the price of a diamond, you can save 90% of the money you would have spent buying a diamond. You have just saved a significant amount of money. Also, keep in mind that you will be able to resell moissanite for about half the price you paid. Overall, if you are faced with budget restrictions, if you want to buy an extra-large size of the gemstone, or if you are simply a fan of gemstones with an average sparkle or all the rainbow that dazzles you, then moissanite could be your priority.

8. Our opinion on moissanite

Moissanite and Diamond have almost equal optical properties from a conceptual point of view. Both gemstones are transparent and are among the hardest gemstones known to man. They are both superb, can last a lifetime, and are fantastic choices for everyday wear.

If you have good friends who have a professional eye for these things, moissanite can easily pass for a conventional diamond if that is the look and feel you are looking for. Either way, moissanite as a diamond substitute hits all the points mentioned above, which makes it seem too good to be true, but the fact is that everything is true and it is so beautiful.

Finally, for those who do not wish to buy a diamond for legal, environmental, or financial reasons, moissanite is a viable and just as stunning sign of affection.

To conclude, although moissanite is designed to imitate the appearance of a diamond, it is not a natural diamond. So, which of these two stones should you choose? It depends on your personal priorities. If you are looking for a piece of jewelry intended to be passed down from generation to generation, such as our solitaire collection diamond and tapered ring, the natural diamond is undoubtedly the best choice. On the other hand, if price is a crucial factor for you, moissanite represents an excellent alternative. The point is to determine what matters most to you. Whether you opt for a diamond or a moissanite, you will have the perfect stone for you.

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Moissanite vs Diamond: The head-to-head, point-by-point comparison

This section complements the original article with a moissanite vs diamond comparison strictly focused on the confrontation of the two stones. We do not repeat here the general overview of the stone: if you are looking to understand why this gem is appearing everywhere in contemporary jewelry, read our in-depth dossier why moissanite is becoming the new star of luxury jewelry, which serves as a reference for this entire blog.

Here, only one question occupies us: placed side-by-side, under the same light, in the same setting, what really separates these two stones? The answer lies in five families of criteria: chemical composition, hardness, optical behavior, response to testing devices, and durability over time.

Two minerals that have nothing in common

Diamond is pure carbon crystallized in the cubic system. Moissanite is silicon carbide, with the formula SiC: two elements instead of one, and a different crystalline structure. These are therefore not two versions of the same stone, but two distinct minerals that look alike to the eye.

This distinction is essential to understand everything else. A moissanite-diamond difference visible on a piece of jewelry is never a coincidence: it stems directly from this difference in material.

Vocabulary not to be confused

• Natural diamond: crystallized carbon formed in the Earth's mantle, then mined.
• Lab-grown diamond: chemically and physically a real diamond, crystallized carbon, produced by HPHT or CVD processes.
• Moissanite: silicon carbide, another mineral species, now produced in the laboratory for jewelry.
• Cubic zirconia: zirconium oxide, an imitation, neither diamond nor moissanite, significantly less hard.
• Natural zircon: a zirconium silicate, yet another stone, often confused with cubic zirconia by simple proximity of name.

Remember above all this: a lab-grown diamond is a diamond, a moissanite is not one. Both are excellent stones, but they are two different choices. We detail the case of carbon synthetic stones in our article on the price of lab-grown diamonds.

Mohs hardness 9.25 vs 10: what it really changes

On the Mohs scale, which measures scratch resistance, diamond occupies the top with a value of 10. The hardness of moissanite is at 9.25. The gap seems minimal; it is not, because the Mohs scale is ordinal and not linear: the interval between 9 and 10 is much wider than the interval between 1 and 2.

In daily practice, however, this nuance remains theoretical for the vast majority of wearers. At 9.25, moissanite resists with difficulty sand, quartz dust, and ordinary friction that scratch most other gems. It is a perfectly credible stone for daily wear.

Hardness is not toughness

A widespread mistake is to confuse hardness and shock resistance. Hardness describes scratch resistance. Toughness describes fracture resistance. Diamond, despite its maximum hardness, has cleavage planes: a well-directed shock on the edge of a stone can chip it.

In other words, neither of the two stones is indestructible. In both cases, it is the sharp edges and the girdle that take the hits. It is the setting, more than the nature of the stone, that protects jewelry worn every day.

Refractive index and dispersion: where the rainbow fire comes from

This is where moissanite vs diamond really plays out to the eye. Two optical quantities control the appearance of a cut stone.

The refractive index measures how much light is deviated upon entering the stone. The higher it is, the more light is trapped inside and sent back to the observer. Diamond is around 2.42; moissanite is higher, around 2.65 to 2.69 depending on the direction of measurement. Moissanite therefore reflects more light, assuming equal cut quality.

Dispersion measures the stone's ability to decompose white light into spectral colors. This is what is called fire. Diamond is around 0.044; moissanite reaches about 0.104, more than double. This is the purely physical reason for the rainbow fire of moissanite, that effect of colored flames that diamond never produces with the same intensity.

What a trained eye sees

• Under point light (spotlight, direct sunlight, restaurant projector), moissanite throws large and clearly separated colored flashes; diamond produces a whiter, finer, more dispersed sparkle.
• Under diffuse light (overcast day, office, indirectly lit interior), the two stones look very much alike and the distinction becomes very difficult.
• The larger the stone, the more visible the fire of moissanite becomes: beyond 6 to 7 mm, a trained eye often spots the difference.
• Doubling of the edges: moissanite is birefringent, which diamond is not. Under a loupe, looking through the table at a certain angle, one can see the edges of the bottom facets appear doubled. Diamond, being isotropic, never shows this phenomenon.

This last point is the most reliable criterion for the armed eye. It requires no equipment, only a 10x loupe and the habit of looking in the right place.

Thermal tester vs double diamond / moissanite tester

Here is the subject where the most misconceptions circulate. The classic diamond tester, the one found everywhere, measures thermal conductivity: it heats a tip and observes how quickly heat dissipates into the stone.

The problem is simple: moissanite also conducts heat very well. A thermal-only tester will therefore often display diamond when used on moissanite. This is not a malfunction; it is a fundamental limitation of the device.

How a dual tester clears up the doubt

So-called dual devices add a second measurement: electrical conductivity. Diamond, except for rare type IIb stones, is an electrical insulator. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a semiconductor. A stone that passes the thermal test but also reacts to the electrical test is not a diamond: it is a moissanite.

Therefore, keep the following reference table in mind, valid for any moissanite or diamond test conducted at home.

Device response	Thermal probe	Electrical probe	Interpretation
Diamond	Positive	Negative	Compatible with a diamond, natural or lab-grown
Moissanite	Positive	Positive	Typical signature of silicon carbide
Stone rejected	Negative	Negative	Cubic zirconia, glass, or another imitation
Unstable result	Variable	Variable	Stone too small, setting in the way, or dirty tip

The limitations no one tells you about

• A tester does not distinguish a natural diamond from a lab-grown diamond: both are carbon and react identically.
• On very small stones, in pavé or channel settings, the measurement is unreliable because the contact surface is insufficient.
• A cold, wet, or greasy stone will distort the thermal measurement. Wipe it off and let it return to room temperature.
• A conductive metal touched by the probe can trigger a false electrical positive. Measure at the center of the table, never on a prong.

To learn more about identification methods, including those that require no equipment, consult our dedicated guide: how to recognize a real natural diamond. Our devices are grouped in the diamond tester collection.

Summary table: moissanite vs. diamond

Here are the summarized physical characteristics of the two stones that can be verified. No price data is included in this table: rates depend on the piece, the setting, and the metal, and can be found on the product page.

Criterion	Moissanite	Diamond
Composition	Silicon carbide (SiC)	Crystallized carbon (C)
Mohs hardness	9.25	10
Refractive index	Approx. 2.65 to 2.69	Approx. 2.42
Dispersion (fire)	Approx. 0.104	Approx. 0.044
Birefringence	Yes, doubled edges under a loupe	No, isotropic stone
Density	Approx. 3.21	Approx. 3.52
Thermal conductivity	High	High
Electrical conductivity	Semiconductor	Generally an insulator
Material origin	Laboratory synthesis	Mining extraction or HPHT / CVD synthesis
Size / weight ratio	Lighter at the same diameter	Denser at the same diameter

The practical consequence of density

Because moissanite is less dense, a stone with a 6.5 mm diameter does not weigh the same number of carats as a 6.5 mm diamond. This is why moissanites are generally described in millimeters rather than carats, or with the mention of a carat equivalent. Comparing two stones by carat without looking at the diameter is like comparing two different things.

Durability over time: what changes after ten years of wear

Both stones stand the test of time very well, but not in the same way.

• Neither stone tarnishes chemically. Neither crystallized carbon nor silicon carbide oxidizes upon contact with air or water.
• Both get dirty in exactly the same way: a film of sebum and soap builds up under the pavilion and cuts off light return. A dull stone is almost always a dirty stone, not a worn one.
• Wear is first visible on the metal: thinned prongs, marked girdle, flattened ring. This is where the real longevity of a piece of jewelry is determined.
• The fire of moissanite does not diminish with the years: dispersion is a property of the material; it does not wear out.

Maintenance: the same protocol for both

1. Lukewarm bath with a drop of mild soap, ten minutes.
2. Soft-bristled brush, scrubbing under the stone where the light enters.
3. Rinse with clean water, dry with a lint-free cloth.
4. Check the prongs once or twice a year: run your fingernail over them; any unusual snagging justifies a visit to a jeweler.

A word of caution: ultrasonic baths are poorly suited for fragile settings and fractured stones, regardless of their nature. When in doubt, a manual bath never causes damage.

Who is each stone suitable for

There is no universal right answer, only priorities. Here is how we guide inquiries.

Moissanite is suitable if

• You want a large visible volume and the diameter matters more than the nature of the material.
• You like colored fire and accept it as an aesthetic choice, not a defect.
• The jewelry is intended for intensive wear, while traveling, or in a context where the risk of loss is a concern.
• You are mounting a large piece, chain or bracelet, where the quantity of stones would otherwise be out of reach.

Diamond is suitable if

• You are looking for white and understated sparkle, without colored flashes.
• Symbolic dimension and family heritage matter more than apparent size.
• You want a gemological report issued by an independent laboratory for the stone itself.
• You want the maximum hardness available, without compromise, for a wedding band worn without ever taking it off.

The case of hip-hop pieces and large pavé surfaces

On a Cuban chain or a tennis bracelet, the eye does not judge a single stone but a continuous sheet of light. The high dispersion of moissanite becomes a distinct advantage here: the piece reflects colored flashes visible from afar, which is exactly what this style seeks. This is where the choice is most justified from a purely aesthetic standpoint.

Errors to avoid when comparing the two stones

1. Comparing under poor lighting. An over-lit display case flatters everything. Ask to see the piece in daylight and under a spotlight.
2. Comparing by carat without looking at the diameter. Because of the density difference, the millimeter measurement is what matters.
3. Trusting a thermal tester alone. It does not separate moissanite from diamond. Without an electrical probe, the answer is worthless on this specific point.
4. Believing that a moissanite certificate is equivalent to an independent lab report. The two documents have neither the same issuer nor the same scope.
5. Neglecting the cut quality. A well-cut moissanite beats a poorly proportioned stone, whichever it is. The cut dictates light return.
6. Forgetting the setting. A bezel setting protects better; a prong setting lets in more light. This choice influences the result as much as the stone.
7. Judging by photo. No sensor faithfully reproduces fire. Two very different stones can yield similar images.

Setting and metal: the third factor we forget

Two identical stones set differently do not look the same. The prong setting clears the stone and maximizes light entry from the sides. The bezel setting surrounds the stone with metal: it remarkably protects the girdle but slightly reduces lateral light.

The metal also plays a part. White gold or rhodium reflects a cold light that accentuates the impression of colorlessness; yellow gold warms the stone and can make a slight tint more visible. This is neither good nor bad; it is a choice of look, which we detail in which metal to choose for custom jewelry.

Glossary of the comparison

• Birefringence: property of a crystal that splits a light ray into two. Visible as a doubling of edges under a loupe. Present in moissanite, absent in diamond.
• Silicon carbide (SiC): the mineral moissanite is made of.
• Thermal conductivity: ability to dissipate heat. High in diamond as well as moissanite, hence the ambiguity of simple testers.
• Dispersion: ability to break down white light into colors. Source of fire.
• Mohs scale: ordinal ranking of scratch resistance, from 1 to 10.
• HPHT and CVD: the two manufacturing processes for lab-grown diamonds.
• Refractive index: measure of the deflection of light entering the stone.
• Isotropic: term for a crystal whose optical properties do not depend on direction. Diamond is isotropic.
• Girdle: the belt of the stone, at the junction of the crown and pavilion. The area most exposed to impacts.
• Table: the large flat facet on top.
• Toughness: resistance to fracture, distinct from hardness.
• Cubic zirconia: imitation made of zirconium oxide, not to be confused with either moissanite or natural zircon.

Frequently asked questions

Does moissanite scratch more easily than a diamond?

Yes in theory, since it is at 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to 10 for diamond. In daily use, the difference remains barely perceptible: at 9.25, the stone already resists sand and quartz dust, which are the daily aggressors.

Can a diamond tester confuse a moissanite with a diamond?

Yes, if the device only measures thermal conductivity, because moissanite also conducts heat very well. You need a dual tester that adds an electrical conductivity measurement to separate the two stones.

How do you recognize a moissanite with a loupe?

By looking through the table at a slightly tilted angle: moissanite is birefringent and the edges of the pavilion facets appear doubled. Diamond, being isotropic, never shows this doubling.

Why does moissanite throw colored flashes?

Because its dispersion, around 0.104, is more than double that of diamond, which is around 0.044. It therefore decomposes white light into spectral colors much more, which is what we call fire.

Is moissanite the same thing as a lab-grown diamond?

No. A lab-grown diamond is crystallized carbon, therefore a real diamond produced via HPHT or CVD. Moissanite is silicon carbide, an entirely different mineral species.

Should a moissanite be maintained differently than a diamond?

No, the protocol is identical: lukewarm bath with mild soap, soft brush under the stone, rinse and dry. In both cases, a dull stone is almost always a dirty stone, not a worn one.

Conclusion: two good stones, two different projects

The moissanite vs. diamond comparison does not name a winner. It identifies two logics. Diamond offers maximum hardness, white sparkle, and a well-established independent certification chain. Moissanite offers superior fire, hardness very close in actual use, and the possibility of a volume that many budgets would not otherwise reach.

The right approach is to first define the use, then the desired look, and only finally the material. A piece worn every day, an engagement solitaire, and an evening chain do not call for the same trade-offs.

To extend your thinking on the budget and cut choice side, continue with our article on moissanite jewelry as an alternative to diamonds, and for the history of the stone, with the origin and rarity of moissanite.

Discover the moissanite jewelry collection

See also our natural diamond jewelry and our moissanite engagement rings.

Also read on the Emir ICE blog

• Moissanite: why this stone is becoming the new star of luxury jewelry
• Moissanite jewelry: the right alternative to diamonds
• Moissanite: origin, history and rarity of the gemstone
• How to recognize a real natural diamond
• Lab-grown diamond prices

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