Everything You Need to Know About Moissanite 

Moissanite gemstones look very similar to diamonds, so much so that they’ve recently become a popular choice for engagement rings. Yet, while they look alike, moissanites and diamonds are two distinct gems with their own unique properties. Both are lovely options for jewelry, but you may find you prefer one over the other once you learn their differences. 

Let’s go over everything you need to know about moissanites, including how they compare to natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. 

What is Moissanite? 

Moissanite is a transparent, highly brilliant gemstone made of silicon carbide. It has impressive brilliance (white sparkle) and exceptional fire (colorful sparkle), and is also highly durable. 

Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so almost all moissanite sold today is lab-made. Colorless moissanite, also called white moissanite, is the most popular variety, but this gem comes in a variety of colors. 

History of Moissanite 

Moissanite is quite a recent discovery compared to most other gems. This stunning gemstone was discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 while he was examining rock samples in a meteorite crater in Arizona. He initially thought he had found diamonds in the crater, but later identified his finding as silicon carbide. 

Natural moissanite is exceedingly rare. Until the 1950s, the only known source of natural moissanite was as presolar grains in meteorites. These celestial origins have earned moissanite nicknames like “space diamond” and “stardust.” 

In more recent years, natural moissanite has been discovered in the upper mantle of the Green River Formation in Wyoming and as inclusions in kimberlite rock within a Russian diamond mine. Still, natural moissanite remains highly rare, so almost all moissanite sold today is lab-grown moissanite. 

Moissanite as a Diamond Alternative 

Moissanite stones look very similar to diamonds and, like diamonds, they’re tough enough for everyday wear. Simultaneously, moissanites are a much more affordable option, so they’ve become popular among those looking for an affordable alternative to diamonds. 

While moissanites look similar to diamonds, it’s important to note that moissanites are gemstones in their own right. A moissanite is not a fake diamond, but rather an entirely separate type of gemstone with unique qualities of its own. 

Moissanites vs. Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds 

Moissanites are a popular alternative to diamonds, but how do they compare in terms of composition, durability, sparkle, sourcing, and price? Let’s take a look at the difference between moissanite and diamond. 

Composition & Durability

Moissanites are made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of pure carbon. These materials are different, but both are extremely strong and durable, so both are a fantastic choice for daily wear. Diamonds earn a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and moissanites rank at 9.25. Moissanites are a bit less hard than diamonds, one of the hardest substances on Earth, but are still at an impressive spot on the hardness scale. Notably, moissanites rank above sapphires and rubies, two precious stones known for their exceptional durability. 

Sparkle

Moissanites look very much like diamonds, but they have a slightly different type of sparkle. Moissanites have a higher refractive index than diamonds, which makes them better at breaking white light into rainbow light. This gives moissanites more multicolored sparkle, also known as fire. This optical property difference is harder to spot with smaller moissanite stones, but becomes more obvious as they increase in size. 

Sourcing & Impact 

The moissanite used in jewelry today is made in a controlled laboratory setting, so it doesn’t require mining like natural diamonds. Lab-grown gemstones, like moissanites and lab diamonds, also don’t have the same potential environmental impact as mined stones. 

Price 

Moissanites have a much more affordable price point compared to both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can cost over 50 percent less than natural diamonds, but moissanites are even more affordable. Moissanites can cost 80 to 90 percent less than natural diamonds. For many people, this significant price difference is the deciding factor when they decide to choose moissanites over diamonds. 

Moissanite Gemstone Grades 

Like diamonds, moissanite gems receive grading reports that can tell you about their quality. The color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade scales for moissanites are similar to those for diamonds, but carat weight isn’t a part of the moissanite grading system. Moissanite is less dense compared to diamond, so it weighs less per square millimeter. This density difference makes carat weight a poor indicator of size for moissanite. Instead of carat weight, moissanites are described by millimeter size. 

Caring for Moissanite Jewelry 

As durable and non-porous stones, moissanites are quite low maintenance. Moissanite jewelry pieces, including moissanite rings and moissanite studs, are a great choice for daily wear. If your moissanite stone starts looking a bit dull or grimy, simply clean it with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush. Soak in a solution made of warm water and mild dish soap for around 30 minutes, then gently scrub before rinsing. 

Final Thoughts

Moissanites and diamonds are both beautiful options for jewelry. The right stone for you is simply a matter of personal preference. If you still have questions about moissanites, reach out to Diamond Wish jeweler for personalized assistance.