What Is Moissanite?
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Often called the "gemstone from the stars," it was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, it wasn't until 1904 that Moissan identified the crystals as silicon carbide. In honor of his discovery, the gemstone was later named after him.
Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare. It was not found outside meteorites until 1958, when geologists discovered it in Earth's upper mantle near Wyoming, followed by another discovery in Russia the following year.
Today, moissanite is exclusively lab-grown as an ethical and sustainable alternative to diamonds. Produced in a controlled environment using advanced technology, it requires no mining, making it an eco-friendly choice with a reduced carbon footprint.
Due to its exceptional brilliance and affordability, moissanite has become a popular choice for fine jewelry, particularly as the center stone in engagement rings.
Is Moissanite a Diamond?
No, moissanite is not a diamond. While it closely resembles a diamond, it is scientifically distinct. Diamonds are composed of carbon, whereas moissanite is made of silicon carbide.
To the untrained eye, moissanite may appear similar to a diamond, but it has a higher refractive index, meaning it reflects more light and exhibits greater fire (rainbow flashes). Additionally, diamonds rank higher on the Mohs hardness scale at 10, while moissanite measures 9.25, making diamonds slightly more durable.
Despite their differences, both gemstones display brilliance, dispersion, and excellent thermal conductivity, making them beautiful and durable choices for jewelry.
Moissanite vs. Diamond vs. Lab Diamond
| Feature | Moissanite | Diamond | Lab Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for daily wear. | 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest natural mineral, ideal for engagement rings. | 10 on the Mohs scale, offering the same durability as natural diamonds. |
| Brilliance | More brilliant than diamonds, with over twice the fire. A refractive index of 2.64 to 2.69. | Slightly less brilliant than moissanite, with half the fire. Refractive index: 2.417 to 2.419. | Similar brilliance and refractive index as natural diamonds. |
| Color | Available in colorless, near-colorless, and shades like teal, green, yellow, and black. | Found in colorless and fancy colors like pink, blue, and yellow due to natural trace elements. | Typically colorless but also available in various lab-grown fancy colors. |
| Price | More affordable than diamonds of the same size. Pricing depends on size, shape, and color. | The most expensive, as natural diamonds are rare and take billions of years to form. | Less expensive than natural diamonds but costlier than moissanite. Priced based on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat). |
| Sourcing | Grown in labs using controlled methods, ensuring sustainability. | Mined from the Earth, then cut and polished. | Created in laboratories, then cut and polished like natural diamonds. |
How to Differentiate Moissanite from a Diamond
For someone unfamiliar with gemstones, distinguishing moissanite from a diamond can be challenging and can be almost impossible. The easiest way to tell the difference is to compare two gemstones, one moissanite, and one diamond of the same size side by side. The distinct sparkle of a diamond is a unique combination of reflected light, the colors that refract through it, and its scintillation. While moissanite exhibits light reflection, color refraction, and scintillation, it also features more than two times the amount of 'fire' than diamonds, meaning it shows more intense flashes of rainbow light than diamonds.
To confirm with certainty, a professional jeweler can inspect the stone using a loupe to check for doubled facet junctions, a characteristic of moissanite.
Why Choose Moissanite?
✔ Eco-Friendly & Conflict-Free – Lab-grown with minimal environmental impact.
✔ Exceptional Value – More affordable than diamonds, offering a brilliant alternative.
✔ Durable & Long-Lasting – With a hardness rating of 9.25, moissanite is suitable for everyday wear.