What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a unique gemstone first discovered in 1893 by the French scientist and Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan, who initially mistook it for diamond due to its brilliance and hardness. The crystals were found in a meteorite crater in Arizona, leading to the understanding that moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), rather than carbon, as in diamonds. Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, making nearly all moissanite available today lab-created.
Is Moissanite Natural?
Yes and no. Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone, formed in meteorites and born in the stars. However, due to its rarity on Earth, the moissanite used in jewellery today is entirely lab-grown, perfected through years of research to recreate its natural properties.
Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?
Absolutely not! Moissanite is a gemstone in its own right, just like diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire. While it may look similar to a diamond, moissanite has a unique brilliance and optical properties that distinguish it as a separate gemstone. Originating from meteorites, moissanite is certainly not a "fake diamond."
Will Moissanite Scratch, Chip, or Change Colour?
No, moissanite is highly durable and scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness—just below diamond, which is a 10. This makes it exceptionally resistant to scratching and chipping, and it will maintain its appearance over time. Moissanites are also colour-stable, meaning they won’t fade or change hue over the years. For peace of mind, most reputable suppliers offer a lifetime warranty on their moissanite stones.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Key Differences
| Characteristic |
Moissanite |
Diamond |
| Durability |
Scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely hard and suitable for everyday wear. |
The hardest known material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for lifelong use. |
| Brilliance |
Moissanites have a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69), resulting in intense, rainbow-like flashes. |
Diamonds reflect light in three ways: brilliance (white light), dispersion (colour flashes), and scintillation (surface sparkle), creating a balanced, structured sparkle. |
| Colour |
Moissanites are graded as “colourless” but can exhibit a slight yellow or greyish hue in certain lights, especially in larger stones. |
Colourless diamonds have no trace of yellow, brown, or grey, giving them a bright white appearance. |
| Price |
Moissanites are significantly more affordable and vary mainly by size and quality grade (Premium or Super Premium). |
Diamond prices vary greatly depending on the 4Cs (cut, carat, colour, and clarity) and whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown. |
| Sourcing |
Entirely lab-created, making them an eco-friendly option with no mining impact. |
Available as mined or lab-grown, with ethical sourcing initiatives in place for natural diamonds. |
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Brilliance, Fire, and Sparkle
Moissanites and diamonds have different optical properties, affecting how they reflect light and sparkle:
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Brilliance: Moissanites have a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) compared to diamonds (2.42), creating a more intense sparkle.
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Fire: Moissanite has a higher dispersion (0.104) than diamonds (0.044), leading to more pronounced rainbow flashes, which can look "flashier" than the subtle brilliance of a diamond.
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Sparkle Pattern: Diamonds display a more structured and balanced sparkle, while moissanites tend to scatter light more chaotically, creating a "disco ball" effect, especially in sunlight.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between moissanite and diamond ultimately depends on your budget and aesthetic preference. If you want a large, sparkling stone without the hefty price tag, moissanite is an excellent option. If you prefer the classic, balanced brilliance and rarity of diamonds, you may opt for a natural or lab-grown diamond. Remember, beauty is subjective, and the value of a gemstone is defined by how much it means to you, not how much you paid for it.
