Moissanite Vs Diamond: What’s The Difference?

Moissanite is often used in place of diamonds in jewellery, and many people cannot quickly tell the difference between these two stones. However, there is a way to distinguish them. Let's see how to differentiate between moissanite Vs diamonds in this blog.


Moissanite is a gemstone that was created by the stars. It was discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a French scientist who eventually won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In a crater formed by a meteorite that fell to Earth, he discovered minuscule gem particles in Arizona that would soon bear his name. He initially mistook the crystals for diamonds but later realised that they were silicon carbide.


Moissanite is a laboratory-created gemstone since natural moissanite is extremely rare. Moissan's particles were successfully manufactured after many years of trial and error, resulting in one of the world's most brilliant gemstones.


Moissanite, a diamond simulant, is designed to resemble diamonds but differs in composition and appearance from a natural diamond. However, the two stones are relatively similar in durability, brightness, and colour.

 

Moissanite Vs Diamond


  • Based on Durability
    •

    Moissanite gemstones are 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them appropriate for everyday use. On the other hand, Diamonds are the hardest known mineral, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. Diamonds are highly durable and perfect for everyday wear due to this exceptional score. This leads to its popularity as the focal gemstone in engagement rings.


  • Based on the Brilliance of the Stone


    • Moissanites have a distinct brilliance from diamonds due to their different faceting patterns. Some people like moissanite because of its brilliant rainbow flashes, but others think its high brilliance can create a "disco-ball" effect, especially in the sunshine. The refractive index of Moissanite ranges from 2.65-2.69, which is higher than that of a natural diamond.


    The ability to differentiate moissanite from a diamond is due to a different form of brilliance. Brilliance refers to the white light reflected, whereas dispersion refers to the spectrum of colours refracted through the diamond. The third type of light return is scintillation or the sparkle on a diamond's surface.

  • Based on Color


    • Even though moissanites are described as "colourless," they can take on a yellow or greyish tinge in specific lighting. Again, the colour is more evident when the size of the stone is comparatively larger.


    A colourless diamond has a natural body colour that contains no yellow, brown, or grey traces, resulting in a brilliant, pure white look.


  • Based on Price


    • Moissanite is a synthetic diamond that costs a fraction of the price of a natural diamond. Moissanite, for example, can cost 10-15% less than a diamond of comparable clarity, colour, cut, and size.


    However, while a low price tag may indicate that the stone isn't a diamond, don't assume you're getting the real deal just because it's expensive; some sellers would gladly sell you a fake stone for the same price as a genuine diamond.


  • Based on Clarity


    • The majority of moissanite marketed today is made in a lab under controlled conditions to minimise internal faults, which is why they have better clarity than most diamonds.


    While a lack of inclusions does not necessarily indicate that a stone is moissanite, a low price can suggest that you are not looking at a genuine diamond.



  • Based on Weight


    • Compared to natural diamonds, moissanite has a lesser density and specific gravity.

    This means that if the weight of moissanite and a diamond of equal size is compared, the moissanite will be lighter.

     

    Few ways to Identify Moissanite Vs Diamond 

    • A diamond tester or a moissanite tester is the best way to determine whether a stone is a diamond or moissanite.

    • Diamond testers examine how a stone conducts heat or electricity to determine whether it is a genuine diamond or not.

    • Remember that gadgets that use heat won't distinguish between moissanite vs diamonds because their heat conductivity is quite similar.


    Moissanites are assessed purely on colour, unlike diamonds, which are graded on the 4 C's scale (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat). Different qualities of moissanite have similar cut and clarity grades. Premium moissanite is virtually colourless and has a colour similar to a G or H on the 4 C's scale. In contrast, Super Premium moissanite is colourless and have a hue similar to a G or F.


    When choosing moissanite, one of the first questions that come to mind is whether the gemstone will look good with genuine diamond accents. Moissanites are particularly lovely when set in rings with diamond embellishments. For example, oval moissanite is set in a three-stone setting with diamond accents. For more information, you can visit the Iris Gems website.