Moissanite is such a great gemstone that many people cannot differentiate it from a diamond. For that reason, many are still struggling to tell the difference between diamonds and moissanite. Therefore, we want to end the moissanite gems vs diamond debate today. At the end of the reading, you should be able to differentiate between diamonds from moissanite gems.
Despite the close resemblance between these gems, it is important to appreciate the fact that they are different. Moissanite is mainly silicone carbide whereas diamond is carbon. Although they share the carbon element, they are unique in various ways. Henri Moissan first discovered moissanite from a meteorite in 1893. To this day, natural moissanite is rarer than diamond. However, synthetic solutions have made moissanite more common than diamond.
Diamond vs Moissanite Differences
To better understand diamond and moissanite, it is important to look at key characteristics used to define the quality of gemstones. Here, their differences will become clear for everyone to see. They include:
To this day, a diamond remains the hardest substance ever known to man. On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamond has a score of 10 whereas moissanite scores 9.25. Therefore, it is important to notice the slight difference in their hardness value. However, a diamond is superior to moissanite on grounds of hardness and strength. All the same, moissanite can be used as a diamond alternative as the need arises.
Moissanite is an ethical option because it is lab-grown, unlike diamond, which is sourced through mining. Socially responsible gemstones like moissanite do not harm the environment and that is why they have preferred lab-grown gemstones over mined solutions.
The mining of diamonds causes social conflict and is harmful to the environment as well. However, lab-grown moissanite does not involve all that because no mining takes place. For that reason, moissanite is a more guilt-free gemstone to buy than diamond.
Naturally-occurring moissanite is rarer than diamond. Therefore, it would cost more to acquire moissanite than a diamond if they were all obtained through mining. However, lab-grown moissanite has ensured a sustainable supply hence lowering the price of moissanite.
Despite having almost similar superior qualities, moissanite costs a fraction of the cost of a diamond. This is so because diamond is hard to find and requires expensive tools and equipment to mine from the earth's crust. This is another evident difference between moissanite and diamonds.
Naturally occurring diamond colors range from colorless to brown shades. On the other end, moissanite is also colorless but often exhibits yellowish-green shades in it. Moissanite also is available in beautiful colors of green, yellow, grey and blue. You can also find diamonds with various colorations such as blue, pink and yellow.
This is the one area where moissanite beats diamond. With a higher refractive index than diamond, moissanite displays a better shine and sparkle than diamond. For that reason, it is slightly more beautiful and elegant than other stones on the market. The refractive index is the quality of a gemstone to disperse white light touching its surface.
Diamonds and moissanite stones are graded differently. Grading is important in the sense that it helps to determine the value of either of these gemstones. Moissanite grading is based on color where the colorless ones are of premium quality.
Colorless and near-colorless moissanite stones are the best. However, diamond grading depends on the 4Cs: clarity, color, cut and carat. Clarity has to do with the number of inclusions in a given stone where carat defines the weight of your diamond. Moissanite weighs less than diamond. Therefore, it is also another contributory factor as to why it costs less than diamond. However, the lightweight quality is perfect for making lightweight jewelry.
Today, we have seen the increasing use of moissanite in the industry. As a result, not many people can tell the difference between this precious stone and a diamond. For that reason, it is important to highlight the differences so that people do not confuse moissanite with diamond and end up paying more than should cost. Therefore, these are the main differences between moissanite and diamonds if you are looking for ways to differentiate between them.
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