Moissanite vs. Earth-Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

In recent years, the diamond industry has undergone considerable sea change and consumers have become savvier about sustainability, eco-friendliness, and ethical matters within the business of diamonds. As a result, jewelry shoppers have demanded more diamond options that are eco-friendly and kind to the Earth. Your diamond purchase should showcase integrity and offer long-term peace of mind! This is why moissanite and lab grown diamonds have both become increasingly popular.

Read on to learn more from the experts at MiaDonna as they explain how moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are different from earth-mined diamonds and unravel the mysteries behind these exquisite stones. We love to help consumers like you learn more so you can make the most informed choice when purchasing fine jewelry.

Far less familiar than diamonds, moissanites are gemstones that are just as radiant!

Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide mineral first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a Nobel Prize-winning French chemist. Doctor Moissan found the mineral in a meteorite crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. He actually believed that he had found a diamond until he transported the stone to his lab and found it to have different chemical properties and was a totally new type of mineral.

Moissanite is ultimately quite rare in nature; therefore, moissanite used in jewelry is almost always created in a laboratory, where silicon carbide crystals are grown under controlled conditions.

As a gemstone, moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability. It has become a popular choice as a diamond alternative in the world of fine jewelry. Its sparkle is regularly compared to that of diamonds, and it has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes it very resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear—just like a lab grown diamond.

Moissanite occurs very rarely in the natural world because it has cosmic origins. As mentioned above, it was first discovered at the site of a meteorite crash. When they are 100 percent natural, moissanite crystals are formed in space, deep within the fiery core of asteroids and stardust clouds. These conditions, marked by intense heat and pressure, are necessary for the creation of silicon carbide crystals. When these celestial bodies collide or when meteorites containing moissanite crash to Earth, they bring with them this extraordinary mineral from the far reaches of the universe.

Because moissanite is so rare, consumer demand for it is high, which has led to the development of lab grown moissanite. By replicating the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions found in space, scientists create moissanite crystals that are practically indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. What’s more, this ability to create moissanite in a controlled environment has made it more accessible and affordable in jewelry, enabling more luxury shoppers to wear a piece of the stars in the form of this brilliant gemstone.

At the end of the day, moissanite and diamonds—no matter if they are natural or lab grown—are two totally different stones, even though they look quite similar to the naked eye. In order for you to understand the difference between moissanite and diamonds, consider these facts:

• Brilliance and Sparkle
  Both moissanite and diamonds have exceptional brilliance. However, moissanite has a slightly different type of brilliance than a diamond. Moissanite disperses light into spectral colors, whereas the sparkle of a lab-grown diamond or natural diamond is described as “white light.” Both stones, though, reflect light in a captivating manner. Moissanite’s brilliance has been compared to the colorful dazzle of a disco ball.

• Hardness
  As we previously mentioned, moissanite is quite hard and ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Comparatively, lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds have a ranking of 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds remain the hardest known material on Earth.

• Color
  Diamonds come in a variety of colors—from completely colorless (which are considered the most valuable) to shades of yellow, pink, blue, red, black, and more. Moissanites are not entirely colorless as they tend to have a slight yellow or green tint. However, to the naked eye and without the use of advanced gemological equipment and technology, they appear almost colorless. They are also found in more vivid colors, such as green, pink, yellow, blue, and black.

• Price
  Moissanite is often more affordable than diamonds (earth mined or lab grown), making the stones attractive to budget-conscious consumers. At the same time, lab grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds—especially when compared to large, high-quality stones. Moissanites are priced by size, weight, shape, and color.

Just like a lab grown diamond, synthetic moissanite is incredibly eco-friendly and sustainable. Lab grown moissanite is not abundant in nature, as we have noted. Therefore, when it is created in a laboratory setting it is a more ethical and environmentally friendly choice as no mining is involved, which creates a significant impact on the natural world and on the communities where mines are located.

It usually takes a professional gemologist to truly tell the difference between moissanite and a diamond. Using advanced equipment, a gemologist can perform a variety of tests when distinguishing moissanite from that of a lab grown or earth mined diamond.

Some of the tests performed to determine if a stone is moissanite include:

• Hardness Tests
  A diamond can only be scratched by another diamond. A professional can use a diamond tester or a hardness test to check if a stone scratches glass, which indicates it could be a diamond. Moissanite, ultimately, can be scratched by a diamond.

• Thermal Conductivity Tests
  Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat. Moissanite, however, has a lower thermal conductivity than diamonds. A diamond tester will easily determine this.

• Electrical Conductivity Test
  Moissanite is typically electrically conductive, whereas diamonds are usually not—the ones that are electrically conductive tend to have impurities or inclusions.

• Luster and Brilliance
  Diamonds have a unique sparkle and brilliance and while moissanite does as well, an expert can note differences in the pattern of light dispersion, which is detected under magnification.

• Visual Inspection Under a Microscope
  When examined by a skilled gemologist using a microscope, moissanite will exhibit a different crystal structure and inclusions compared to diamonds, which have other natural features.

• UV Light Test
  A UV light test can help identify fluorescence in a diamond, something that moissanite doesn’t usually have.

• Spectroscopy and Advanced Instruments
  Finally, there are other advanced instruments that professionals can use to determine whether a stone is moissanite or a diamond. One such instrument is Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). This tool analyzes the absorption patterns of light passing through a gemstone and offers detailed information about factors, including composition.

All of these tests are used by trained jewelers and gemologists. As a consumer, it is important to consult with a reputable professional prior to making a purchase or when seeking to confirm if a stone is moissanite or a diamond. Without in-depth training and certification, the everyday moissanite or diamond shopper cannot make this determination on their own.

While MiaDonna is known in the industry as the world’s first retailer to sell lab grown diamonds, we are proud to offer lab grown moissanite gemstones, too.

All of our lab grown moissanite gemstones are thoughtfully curated and carefully chosen for their amazing sparkle and brilliance—and can be placed in engagement rings of varying styles, sizes, and price points.

We invite you to explore our lab grown moissanite jewelry collection today and would love the chance to speak with you one on one about your future moissanite ring purchase. Reach out to our team today and begin the process of buying a lab grown moissanite gemstone that you will value for the rest of your life.