What is Moissanite Diamond?

Although Moissanite is famous for its striking resemblance to diamonds, there is actually no such thing as a Moissanite diamond. Moissanite is different from diamonds in that it is a real gemstone with its own unique beauty and chemical properties.

If you're interested in learning more about this remarkable gemstone, please follow us to discover its many fascinating attributes.

What is a Diamond?

Real diamond is a natural mineral composed of carbon and graphite. After billions of years of extreme pressure and temperature, these carbon-containing liquids have dissolved other minerals, leaving behind dazzling diamonds.

Additionally, Lab Grown Diamonds, which have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, are also available and are becoming increasingly popular as an ethical and sustainable alternative. In Felicegals, there are many lab-grown diamond rings for you to choose from.

 

What is a Moissanite?

Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissanite discovered the first moissanite in a meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893. Moissanite mistook it for a diamond and was excited to profit from this lucrative find.

It’s easy to see why he made this mistake. Moissanite is silicon carbide, a diamond-like gemstone with similar brightness, fire, luster, and hardness. Moissanite exhibits a high degree of brilliance and fire, making it a popular alternative to diamonds in jewelry. Its properties make it resistant to scratching and abrasion, ensuring durability and longevity in fine jewelry pieces.

What the difference between Moissanite and Diamond?

Today, it takes specialized tools to tell the difference between a Moissanite gemstone and a real diamond. Unlike cubic zirconia, a known diamond imitation, Moissanite is rare, heavy, and extremely durable.

But but they have several key differences:

 

1.Composition

Moissanite: Composed of silicon carbide (SiC).

Diamond: Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.

 

2.Hardness

Moissanite: Almost as hard as diamond, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Diamond: The hardest natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale.

 

3.Brilliance and Fire

 

Moissanite: Exhibits high brilliance and fire due to its high refractive index. It can appear more colorful than diamonds.

Diamond: Also known for its brilliance and sparkle but has a different kind of sparkle compared to moissanite. Diamonds have more of a "white" sparkle.

 

4.Density and Weight

Moissanite: Lighter than diamond; it has a lower specific gravity.

Diamond: Denser and heavier than Moissanite.

 

5.Ethical Sourcing and Cost

Moissanite: Generally more affordable and considered an ethically sourced alternative to natural diamonds.

Diamond: Can be expensive, especially natural diamonds, which may raise ethical concerns regarding their sourcing.

 

6.Durability

Moissanite: Extremely durable and resistant to scratching and abrasion, second only to diamonds.

Diamond: The most durable natural gemstone, highly resistant to wear and tear.

 

7.Detection

Moissanite: Requires specialized tools to differentiate from diamonds.

Diamond: Can be identified by professional jewelers using tools like a diamond tester.

 

Which is better: Moissanite or Diamond?

Maybe you are considering which is a better choice, Moissanite or Diamond?

Diamond
One of the key reasons for choosing a diamond is its traditional value. Diamonds have a long-standing tradition and are often seen as a symbol of luxury and status. You may be more concerned with resale value, as natural diamonds generally hold their value better over time than Moissanite. Of course, hardness is also an advantage you cannot ignore. Diamond is the hardest natural material and is therefore very durable.

Moissanite
For cost and ethical sourcing, Moissanite is generally more affordable than diamonds, making it a budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, Moissanite is lab-created, which means it is a conflict-free gemstone. It does not have the ethical concerns often associated with mined diamonds. If you care about durability, Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds and is highly durable, suitable for everyday wear. Being a lab-created stone, Moissanite has a lower environmental impact compared to mined diamonds.

The question of whether Moissanite or Diamond is "better" largely depends on individual preferences, priorities, and values. If you prioritize affordability, ethical sourcing, and environmental considerations without compromising much on durability and brilliance, Moissanite is a compelling choice.

 

Why are Moissanite engagement rings becoming more popular?

In recent years, Moissanite rings have made a big splash in the engagement market and become a popular choice for engagement rings.

There are two more reasons to choose Moissanite as an engagement ring

Rainbow effect
Due to the high refractive index and high dispersion value of Moissanite, Moissanite engagement rings produce more rainbow-colored scattered light than diamond rings under sunlight or spotlight, which is one of its unique and beautiful features.

Lower density
The specific gravity of Moissanite (3.218-3.22) is lower than that of diamond (3.52). Therefore, at the same carat weight, Moissanite looks larger than diamond.

Moissanite engagement rings are becoming one of the perfect alternatives to diamond rings, and are favored by many consumers who pursue beauty, durability, environmental protection and high cost performance.

Indeed, when you choose an engagement ring, the gemstone is not the only thing you have to decide. You also need to pick the material, cutting method, design, etc. A perfect engagement ring needs to be integrated with your love. If you are still worried about the expensive diamond ring, a Moissanite engagement ring must be the ideal choice.

 

Are you still looking for a Moissanite engagement ring? Come to Felicegals to realize your dream ring. https://felicegals.com/collections/moissanite