Moissanite VS DIamond
Same light, 1/10 the price
Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Often referred to as the gemstone from the stars, it was discovered in 1893 inside of a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Initially mistakenly identifying his discovery as diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined the crystals were, in fact, silicon carbide. This naturally occurring mineral form of what we now call moissanite was named in honor of Moissan later in his life.
In its natural form, moissanite remains very rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found it outside of meteorites: first, in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming, and then, the following year, as inclusions in rock in Russia.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment with advanced technology, it is easily traceable and requires no mining. This means moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and lessened environmental impact than a naturally mined gem.
Increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is now widely used in jewelry, especially as the center stone of engagement rings.
Is a Moissanite a Diamond?
No, a moissanite is not a diamond. Professionals grow them in laboratories because they are visually similar to diamonds, but compositionally they’re quite different. Diamonds are composed of carbon and moissanites are composed of silicon carbide.
While the untrained eye may visually perceive a moissanite as similar to a diamond, it has a higher refractive index — meaning it produces more rainbow ‘fire’ than a diamond when light hits the stone’s surface. Diamond is also physically harder than moissanite, which is a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale compared to a diamond’s rating of 10.
While they both feature dispersion, scintillation, and are both considered to be good thermal conductors, moissanite and diamonds are otherwise distinct.
FQA
Q1: Do moissanite and diamonds really look similar? Can ordinary people tell the difference at a glance?
A1: Under naked eye observation, high-quality moissanite is very similar to diamonds, especially when set into jewelry. But moissanite has a higher refractive index and a stronger fiery color (rainbow like flash), which may appear "too dazzling" in strong light, while diamond's flash is more restrained and elegant.
If pursuing a "false to real" approach, it is recommended to choose colorless moissanite with a color grade of D-F and avoid excessive carats (more than 2 carats may make the difference more noticeable).
Q2: Will choosing moissanite make the ring appear cheap and lack a traditional sense of ceremony?
A2: This issue is closely related to cultural values. Diamonds are deeply ingrained in people's hearts due to their marketing of 'eternal love', especially in traditions, symbolizing marital commitment. But in recent years, the younger generation has paid more attention to cost-effectiveness and environmental protection concepts, and Mozambique has gradually been accepted due to budget friendliness and zero ethical disputes.
The key lies in communication: if a partner or family values tradition, discuss its meaning in advance; If more inclined towards pragmatism, Mozambique is a rational choice.
Q3: Does the low price of moissanite mean poor quality? Will long-term wear and tear or discoloration occur?
A3: The low price is due to the fact that moissanite is an artificial gemstone (extremely rare in nature), and its production cost is much lower than that of diamonds. Its hardness is 9.25 (10 for diamonds), which is sufficient to resist daily wear and tear, and can be worn normally for decades without obvious scratches.
In terms of color stability, high-quality moissanite will not turn yellow, but low-quality products may have their luster affected by coating peeling.
Q4: Is it true that diamonds retain their value while moissanite is not?
A4: Misunderstanding needs to be clarified: The second-hand recycling price of ordinary consumer grade diamonds is usually 30% -50% of the original price, with limited resale value; Moissanite has almost no resale value, but the purchase cost is only 1/10 of diamonds. If the budget is limited and emphasis is placed on wearing rather than investing, moissanite has a higher cost-effectiveness.
If pursuing collectible value, it is recommended to choose scarce natural colored diamonds or high-purity white diamonds of 1 carat or more.
Q5: Does choosing Mozambique not place enough emphasis on marriage commitment?
A5: The value of a gemstone is endowed by humans. Many women believe that the sincerity of marriage is reflected in the emotions invested by both parties rather than the material price. The symbolic significance of moissanite can be emphasized:
- Environmentally friendly choice: Avoid supporting "blood drilling" mining, in line with modern ethical values.
- Rational consumption: Save budget for common goals such as honeymoon and home purchase.
- Personalization: Some brands offer customized design of moissanite, giving it unique meaning.
Q6: Which is more suitable as a substitute for natural diamonds, Lab Crown or Moissanite?
A6: Both are ethical choices, but the difference is significant:
| laboratory diamond | moissanite | |
| Ingredient | real diamond (carbon element) | silicon carbide |
| Hardness | 10 (same as natural) | 9.25 |
| Price | 30% -40% for natural diamonds | 5% -10% for natural diamonds |