At a mere glance, these two radiant gems could be twins. They’re both dazzling, brilliant and nearly indistinguishable. No wonder many buyers are embracing moissanite, choosing sophistication without the extravagant price of a diamond.
But besides visual similarity, is there anything else that is identical between a diamond and a moissanite? To find out the answer explore this comparative analysis.
In this article, we will do an in-depth analysis of the differences between moissanite and diamond to see which of these two sparkling gemstones emerges as the winner. If you’re considering buying diamond jewellery for women, then do keep reading till the end before you make a choice.
Did You Know?
Moissanite was originally discovered in Arizona in a meteor crater over 100 years ago by Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan. The extremely rare availability of this gem, found only in upper mantle rocks and meteorites, caused much speculation. It eventually led scientists to find a way to synthetically create it using particles of naturally occurring moissanite. Currently, all moissanites are grown in sophisticated labouratories. Due to this, they have minimal impact on the environment which makes them an ethical and eco-friendly option.
Optically and physically a moissanite is more brilliant than a diamond, and other popular gems such as sapphires and rubies. It also has a dispersion of 0.104, which exceeds all other gemstones. So you can expect any jewellery adorned with moissanites to exude unrivalled fire and sparkle.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Comparison
| Feature | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Nearly colourless but may show slight yellow, green or grey tints. | Colourless to a variety of fancy colours |
| Origin | Lab-created | Can be natural or lab-created |
| Brilliance | More fire and brilliance than diamonds | Classic brilliance, but less fire than moissanite |
| Hardness | 9.25 on the Mohs scale – extremely durable. | 10 on the Mohs scale – the hardest natural substance. |
| Clarity | Usually with very few inclusions. | Varies from included to flawless, with natural imperfections. |
| Treatments | Not treated, as they are lab-created. | Some diamonds undergo enhancements to improve clarity or colour. |
| Value | Moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds of the same carat weight. Its price depends on factors such as size, shape and whether the stone is colourless or near-colourless. | Natural diamonds are the most expensive. Due to their rarity( they are mined from the Earth and take billions of years to form) they cost more than both moissanite and lab-created diamonds. In addition to rarity, diamond prices are based on the 4 C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight) and shape. |
| Affordability | Very affordable alternative to diamonds with excellent brilliance. | More expensive due to rarity and market demand. |
| Popularity and Symbolism | Gaining popularity as a sustainable and affordable choice. | The traditional symbol of strength, abundance and eternal love. |
Diamond vs Moissanite: Which is the Best Option for Your Engagement Ring?
While diamonds are a perennial favourite for engagement rings, moissanite is also a good alternative. It looks similar to a diamond and costs way less, which means you can get a much larger stone at a lower price.
Another factor to keep in mind while choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring is to look at moissanite vs. diamond hardness. Now, diamonds score 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest natural substance on Earth. However, moissanite is not far behind as it scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which makes it softer than diamonds but still quite durable. Ultimately, the best choice is one which matches your taste and budget. If you’re looking for diamond engagement rings that fit within your budget, you can also consider lab-grown diamonds.
April Birthstone: Moissanite vs. Diamond
Now that you know about both moissanite and diamonds, let’s talk about diamonds being the official April birthstone! Known for their unmatched brilliance and timeless appeal, diamonds have been a symbol of love and luxury for centuries. While moissanite gives diamonds a run for their money with its sparkle, diamonds remain the classic choice for April birthdays, representing strength, eternal love and abundance.
Verdict: Four important factors work in favor of moissanite – affordability, unsurpassed brilliance and fire, resemblance to diamonds and the fact that they are eco-friendly. If you wish to not spend too much on your wedding/engagement jewellery, but still want to enjoy the beauty of a diamond then moissanites are your best bet. However, a diamond carries an ‘heirloom appeal’. It’s a jewel that can be passed down to future generations with much pride.
For more in-depth information about moissanites and diamonds, take a look at our educational guides. If you want to explore more options, do consider giving this a read: Morganite vs. Moissanite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between a diamond and moissanite?
Diamonds are natural gemstones composed of pure carbon, prized for their unmatched hardness and brilliance. On the other hand, moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made from silicon carbide. It is a more affordable alternative to diamonds with a fiery sparkle that sometimes appears more colourful than a diamond’s.
2. Which one sparkles more: diamond or moissanite?
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65) than a diamond (2.42), which means it sparkles more, often with rainbow-coloured flashes. Diamonds, on the other hand, have a sharper, more classic brilliance.
3. Is moissanite as durable as a diamond?
Now, diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth (10 on the Mohs scale), making them extremely durable. Moissanite is also quite hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and can withstand everyday wear, but it’s slightly softer than a diamond.
