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Pear Moissanite Engagement Ring

Moissanite vs. Diamond: What’s the Difference?

Understand how moissanite and diamond differ in sparkle, strength, and price so you can choose the gemstone that fits your style and budget.

Moissanite Jewelry
Moissanite Rings

What is a Moissanite?

Moissanite is a brilliant, lab created gemstone celebrated for its exceptional sparkle, fire, and clarity. Originally discovered in a meteor crater by scientist Henri Moissan, modern moissanite is now produced using advanced technology to ensure consistent quality and beauty. Its unique optical properties give it a vibrant, eye catching appearance that often appears even more fiery than a traditional diamond.

One of moissanite’s most notable features is its incredible brilliance. With a refractive index higher than diamond, moissanite reflects light with remarkable intensity, creating bold flashes of color and shine. This makes it a popular choice for those who love maximum sparkle and a gemstone that truly stands out in any setting.

In addition to its beauty, moissanite is highly durable and well suited for everyday wear. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it resistant to scratching and chipping. Moissanite is also an ethical and sustainable option, offering a stunning, long lasting gemstone choice that combines modern innovation with exceptional value.

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Gold ring with a large diamond on a white and purple gradient background

Is a Moissanite a Diamond?

No, moissanite is not a diamond. While the two gemstones may look similar at first glance, they are entirely different materials with distinct chemical compositions. Diamonds are made of carbon, whereas moissanite is composed of silicon carbide. Because of this, moissanite and diamonds have different optical and physical properties.

That said, moissanite is often chosen as a diamond alternative due to its exceptional brilliance and durability. In fact, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, meaning it reflects more light and displays more fire. While diamonds are valued for their rarity and natural origin, moissanite appeals to those looking for a visually stunning gemstone with modern innovation and excellent value.

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How to Tell a Moissanite From a Diamond

At a glance, moissanite and diamond can look very similar, especially when set in jewelry. One of the most noticeable differences is brilliance and fire. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means it reflects more light and produces more colorful flashes. Diamonds tend to have a more subtle, white brilliance, while moissanite often appears extra sparkly with rainbow like flashes, particularly under bright lighting.

Elongated Cushion Moissanite Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold

Another way to tell the difference is by examining the stone’s clarity and visual pattern. When viewed under magnification, moissanite may show a doubling effect in its facets due to its crystal structure, whereas diamonds do not. This doubling is not always easy to spot with the naked eye, but trained jewelers can identify it using a loupe or microscope.

Hardness and durability can also offer clues, though both gemstones are suitable for everyday wear. Diamonds rank a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest natural substance, while moissanite ranks slightly lower at 9.25. While this difference is minimal in daily use, professional testing tools such as diamond testers can accurately distinguish between the two by measuring thermal and electrical conductivity. For a definitive answer, having the stone evaluated by a certified jeweler is always the most reliable option.

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