About Moissanite

Moissanite - The Perfect Diamond Alternative

As brilliant as diamond, more affordable, and conflict-free

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC), originally discovered in meteorites and now created in laboratories. Its optical properties are extremely similar to diamonds, with even more fire, making it one of the most popular diamond alternatives today.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Comprehensive Comparison

Property Moissanite Diamond
Hardness 9.25 (Mohs scale) 10 (Mohs scale)
Refractive Index 2.65-2.69 (higher than diamond) 2.42
Dispersion 0.104 (more fire) 0.044
Price About 1/10 of diamond Very expensive
Origin Lab-created Mined or lab-created
Env. Impact Minimal env. impact Mining may cause env.  damage

Advantages of Moissanite

  • Price is about one-tenth of diamond
  • More fire and brilliance than diamond
  • Eco-friendly and conflict-free, lab-created
  • Nearly as durable as diamond
  • Difficult to distinguish from diamond with naked eye

Limitations of Moissanite

  • Slightly less hard than diamond (but harder than most gems)
  • Can be identified by professionals with specific tools
  • Some traditional preferences still favor natural diamonds
  • Some cuts may show double refraction

How to Tell Moissanite from Diamond?

For the average consumer, it's very difficult to distinguish high-quality moissanite from diamond with the naked eye. Here are some professional identification methods:

1. Fire Test

Moissanite's dispersion (0.104) is more than double that of diamond (0.044), so moissanite displays stronger "fire" (rainbow-colored flashes).

2. Double Refraction

Moissanite is doubly refractive - when viewed from certain angles, you can see doubling of facet edges, while diamond is singly refractive.

3. Conductivity Test

Most moissanites are conductive, while diamonds generally are not (except blue diamonds).

4. Professional Testing

Jewelers use thermal conductivity testers or moissanite testers to accurately distinguish between them.


Moissanite engagement ring


Moissanite (left) vs Diamond(right)


Moissanite necklace

The 4Cs of Moissanite

Similar to diamonds, moissanite is also graded using the 4Cs system:

Color

High-quality moissanite is near-colorless (D-F color grade), but most moissanites have slight yellow or gray tints (G-I color grade).

Clarity

Lab-created moissanite typically has very high clarity with minimal inclusions.

Cut

Excellent cutting maximizes moissanite's fire. Common cuts include round brilliant, princess, and emerald.

Carat Weight

Moissanite is slightly less dense than diamond, so a moissanite of the same size weighs about 15% less than a diamond.

Looking for Perfect Moissanite Jewelry?

We offer various exquisite moissanite jewelry including engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and more, at about one-tenth the price of diamonds.

Browse Moissanite Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moissanite a real diamond?

No. Moissanite is a different mineral (silicon carbide) from diamond, but its visual properties are very similar to diamond.

Will moissanite change color or lose its sparkle?

No. Moissanite maintains its brilliance and fire permanently and doesn't change over time.

Is moissanite suitable for everyday wear?

Absolutely. With a hardness of 9.25 (second only to diamond), moissanite is perfect for daily wear.

Is moissanite an ethical jewelry choice?

Yes. Moissanite is lab-created, free from "blood diamond" human rights issues, and has much less environmental impact.