Quick Comparison: Moissanite vs Diamond
Here's how the moissanite gemstone stacks up against the diamond:
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Composition: Silicon carbide (SiC) vs pure carbon (C)
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Hardness: 9.25 Mohs vs 10 Mohs
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Brilliance (RI): 2.65 to 2.69 vs 2.42 (moissanite wins)
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Fire (Dispersion): 0.104 vs 0.044 (moissanite has 2.4x more rainbow flashes)
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Price (1ct): $300 to $800 vs $3,000 to $15,000+ (moissanite saves 70 to 90%)
If you hold a moissanite crystal next to a diamond under direct sunlight, the moissanite will throw more vivid rainbow flashes. The diamond will produce a more balanced white light sparkle. Both are beautiful. Both are durable. They're just different gemstones.
Want the full breakdown? Read our complete Moissanite vs Diamond comparison for pricing, durability, ethics, and resale value.
Moissanite Color Grades Explained
Moissanite stone is graded on a color scale based on the GIA diamond color system, ranging from completely colorless to faint warm tints. Understanding these grades helps you choose the right stone for your metal setting and personal style.
|
Color Grade |
Description |
Best Metal Pairing |
Price Point |
|
D-E-F (Colorless) |
Icy white, no visible tint |
White gold, platinum |
Premium |
|
G-H-I (Near-Colorless) |
Slight warmth, often indistinguishable from colorless |
Yellow gold, rose gold |
Mid-range |
|
J-K (Faint Hue) |
Noticeable warm tint |
Yellow gold, vintage settings |
Budget-friendly |
|
Fancy Colors |
Pink, grey, green, blue (lab-created color treatments) |
Any metal, depending on the aesthetic |
Varies |