Diamonds and moissanite are two popular gemstones used in jewelry. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between the two. Here are some frequently asked questions about the differences between diamonds and moissanite:
WHAT IS A DIAMOND AND WHAT IS MOISSANITE? A diamond is a naturally occurring mineral made up of carbon atoms that have crystallized. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a lab-created gemstone made up of silicon carbide.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE? Diamonds are harder than moissanite, with a score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, while moissanite scores 9.25. Diamonds also have a higher refractive index, meaning they reflect more light and have more sparkle than moissanite.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN PRICE BETWEEN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE? Moissanite is generally less expensive than diamonds of the same size and quality. This is because diamonds are rare and take a lot of resources to mine and produce, while moissanite can be created in a lab.
ARE THERE ANY ETHICAL CONCERNS WITH BUYING DIAMONDS? There are ethical concerns with buying diamonds due to issues such as conflict diamonds, which are diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. Some buyers choose to purchase only ethically sourced diamonds or alternative gemstones like moissanite.
DO DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE LOOK THE SAME? To the untrained eye, diamonds and moissanite can look very similar. However, there are some differences in the way they sparkle and refract light, which can be discerned by a trained jeweler.
CAN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE BE TREATED OR ENHANCED? Diamonds can be treated to enhance their color or clarity, but moissanite cannot. This means that any color or clarity in a moissanite stone is completely natural.
HOW DO DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE COMPARE IN TERMS OF DURABILITY? While both diamonds and moissanite are durable gemstones that can withstand daily wear, diamonds are slightly harder and more scratch-resistant than moissanite.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN CUT AND BRILLIANCE BETWEEN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE? Diamonds are cut with a different faceting pattern than moissanite, which gives them a unique brilliance and fire. Moissanite, on the other hand, has a more “rainbow” effect when it reflects light.
CAN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE BE USED IN ENGAGEMENT RINGS? Both diamonds and moissanite are commonly used in engagement rings, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE? Diamonds and moissanite should be cleaned regularly with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap and water. They should also be stored separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
10 lesser known facts about Diamonds and Moissanite
- DIAMONDS ARE THE HARDEST NATURAL MATERIAL ON EARTH: Diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest natural material known to man.
- MOISSANITE IS A LAB-CREATED GEMSTONE: Moissanite is a man-made gemstone that was first discovered in a meteorite. It is now created in laboratories for use in jewelry.
- DIAMONDS ARE FORMED DEEP IN THE EARTH: Diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat deep in the earth’s mantle, while moissanite is made in a laboratory.
- MOISSANITE IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN DIAMONDS: Moissanite is more affordable than diamonds, making it a popular alternative for engagement rings.
- DIAMONDS ARE RARE: Diamonds are rare, which is why they are so valuable. Moissanite, on the other hand, is abundant and can be created in a lab.
- MOISSANITE HAS HIGHER DISPERSION THAN DIAMONDS: Moissanite has a higher dispersion than diamonds, which means it sparkles more and has more fire.
- DIAMONDS HAVE A HIGHER REFRACTIVE INDEX: Diamonds have a higher refractive index than moissanite, which means they have more brilliance and shine.
- MOISSANITE HAS GREATER CLARITY: Moissanite has a higher clarity than most diamonds, meaning it has fewer inclusions and is more clear to the eye.
- DIAMONDS HAVE A LONGER HISTORY: Diamonds have been used in jewelry for thousands of years and are steeped in history and tradition.
- MOISSANITE IS MORE ECO-FRIENDLY: Moissanite is a more eco-friendly option than diamonds, as it is created in a lab and doesn’t require mining.