Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have quickly become two of the most popular alternatives to natural diamonds. Both are brilliant, beautiful and more affordable than mined diamonds, but they aren’t the same. While they may appear similar at first glance, they are fundamentally different stones with unique qualities. This guide will help you understand the key differences between them, making your decision clearer.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a distinct gemstone from diamond. Originally discovered in a meteor crater in 1893, it is composed of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created.
Is Moissanite a Real Diamond?
While moissanite is sometimes chosen as an alternative to diamonds for its brilliance and lower cost, it is not a diamond, nor is it considered a diamond simulant. It has its own set of unique characteristics.
Lab-grown diamonds are actual diamonds—chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only real difference is their origin: lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled, high-tech laboratories using advanced methods. Learn more about the specific characteristics of lab-grown diamonds in our buying guide.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Sparkle
The most noticeable difference between moissanite and a lab-grown diamond is how they handle light. This comes down to their brilliance and fire. Learn more about diamond brilliance and fire and why they matter for your purchase in our guide.
Lab-grown diamonds display exceptional brilliance, with a refractive index of 2.42. This high refractivity allows them to reflect abundant white light, giving them that classic, crisp sparkle.
Moissanite has an even higher refractive index, ranging from 2.65 to 2.69. This means it is technically more brilliant than a diamond.
Fire is where the visual difference between the two becomes most apparent. Moissanite is “doubly refractive,” meaning it splits light into two rays, creating a fiery, rainbow-like effect. Diamonds, on the other hand, are “singly refractive.” While they still produce fire, it’s more evenly balanced with their white light brilliance. In a moissanite vs diamond comparison, moissanite will show more colorful flashes, whereas a lab-grown diamond will display a more classic balance of white and colored sparkle.
Is Moissanite as Durable as a Diamond?
When choosing a stone for everyday wear, such as an engagement ring, durability is a key factor. The Mohs Scale of Hardness measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching.
Diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are the hardest known mineral, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Their exceptional hardness makes them extremely resistant to scratches and abrasions, making them a perfect choice for a lifetime of wear.
Moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone used in jewelry, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale. While not as hard as a diamond, it’s still more scratch-resistant than other popular gemstones like sapphires and rubies (which score a 9). You can be confident that a moissanite stone will stand up to the rigors of everyday life.
Lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling combination of classic beauty, unmatched durability, significant cost savings compared to mined diamonds and the tradition of gifting a genuine diamond. Our customers appreciate knowing they’re getting a real diamond that will stand the test of time, both physically and symbolically. Start designing your dream ring with our online ring builder today.
