Differences between Diamond and Moissanite
Contents
Diamond vs. Moissanite[edit]
Diamond and moissanite are two distinct gemstones that share visual similarities, leading to frequent comparisons, particularly for use in jewelry. While a diamond is a naturally occurring mineral composed of carbon, moissanite is made of silicon carbide and is almost exclusively lab-grown for jewelry purposes because its natural occurrence is incredibly rare.[1][2] The first discovery of natural moissanite was by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona.[3] Diamonds form deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure.[4] Although they may appear similar to the unaided eye, they have notable differences in their physical and optical properties.[5]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Carbon (C) | Silicon Carbide (SiC)[1] |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 10 | 9.25 |
| Brilliance (Refractive Index) | 2.42[5] | 2.65 - 2.69 |
| Fire (Dispersion) | 0.044 | 0.104 |
| Color | Graded D-Z (colorless to light yellow/brown) | Typically colorless to near-colorless, can exhibit yellow or greenish tints[1] |
| Clarity | Contains natural inclusions and blemishes[1] | Generally eye-clean due to controlled lab creation |
| Origin | Mined from the earth or lab-grown[4] | Almost exclusively lab-grown[2] |
| Price | Significantly higher, varies by the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) | Lower price per carat, varies mainly by size and color grade |
Optical Properties[edit]
One of the most noticeable differences between diamond and moissanite is their optical performance. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which contributes to its exceptional brilliance. This higher refractive index means moissanite can bend light more, resulting in significant sparkle.[5]
Additionally, moissanite has a much higher dispersion value than diamond. Dispersion is the property of a gemstone to split light into its spectral colors, which is seen as flashes of rainbow color, or "fire." Moissanite exhibits more than twice the fire of a diamond, which can create a "disco ball" effect, particularly in larger stones.[4] Diamonds reflect light in a more complex way, exhibiting a balance of brilliance (white light), dispersion (colored light), and scintillation (sparkle from movement).
Durability[edit]
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamond scores a 10, making it the hardest known natural substance. This exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to scratching, which makes it ideal for jewelry worn daily. Moissanite scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which is lower than diamond but still harder than any other gemstone commonly used in jewelry, such as sapphire or ruby.[1] This makes moissanite also very durable and suitable for everyday wear, as it is resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Color and Clarity[edit]
Diamonds are graded for color on a scale from D to Z, with D being completely colorless and the most valuable.[1] Moissanite is not graded on the same scale but is often categorized as colorless or near-colorless.[4] While modern lab-grown moissanite can be produced to be very white, some stones may exhibit slight yellow, green, or gray tints under certain lighting conditions.[1]
Because moissanites are created in a controlled laboratory environment, they typically have very high clarity with few to no visible inclusions or blemishes.[1] Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are formed in the earth and often have internal flaws (inclusions) and surface imperfections (blemishes) that affect their clarity grade.[1] Finding a natural diamond that is eye-clean can be challenging and comes at a higher cost.
Cost and Origin[edit]
The price difference between diamond and moissanite is substantial. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than a diamond of the same size and comparable quality. The cost of a diamond varies based on the four Cs—carat, cut, color, and clarity—while the price of moissanite is primarily determined by its size and whether it is graded as colorless or near-colorless.
Nearly all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created, as natural moissanite is too rare and found in crystals that are too small for jewelry use. This[3] makes lab-grown moissanite an option for those seeking a gemstone with a guaranteed origin that does not require mining. Diamonds are either mined from the earth or can also be created in a lab.[4]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "diamondsfactory.co.uk". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "geologyin.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "moissanite.co.za". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "brilliantearth.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "doamore.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
